Fresh From the UIA (Weekly Wisdom)

M. Brian Blake, President of Georgia State University, discusses how his early private sector career shaped his approach to academic leadership, the guidance and opportunities that he's offering his students, and managing the perceptions around a job well done.

Freeman Hrabowski, retiring President of University of Maryland, Baltimore County, discusses what he's learned over the years, what incoming leaders can expect from the current state of higher ed, and how they can best prepare themselves for the challenges of leadership.

Michael Rao, President of Virginia Commonwealth University, discusses VCU joining the University Innovation Alliance, positivity among like-minded leaders, the benefits of shared experience and data, and the importance of maintaining an affirmative, human tone.

James Kvaal, U.S. Under Secretary of Education, discusses leadership at the federal level, understanding the perspectives of advocates from outside the government, and the critical details of what it takes to be an effective communicator.

The University Innovation Alliance reviews some of its 2021 accomplishments. This blog focuses on the impact and scale of its mission, and on engagement with the higher ed sector via live content and playbooks sharing its research and outcomes.

Becky Johnson, Oregon State University's Interim President, discusses effectively assuming a leadership role during a pandemic, not being driven by worst-case scenarios, and keeping an eye on the future while handling the current situation.

Joseph Castro, Chancellor of the California State University System, discusses listening to the people who depend on his leadership, the do's and don'ts of decision-making during a crisis, and the need to stay focused on ongoing issues outside of the crisis.

Alexander Cartwright, University of Central Florida President, discusses receiving an enormous philanthropic gift, partnering with community colleges, and new leadership lessons learned during the pandemic.

Michael Rao, President of Virginia Commonwealth University, discusses recognizing the education that most students want and need, returning to campus during the pandemic, and how to be a more effective and efficient leader.

Maria Flynn, President and CEO of Jobs for the Future, discusses connecting college graduates with employment opportunities, the skills required in an evolving career marketplace, and the challenges of scaling a nonprofit within a volatile ecosystem.