As we plan for our next big multi-campus initiatives, I have been inspired by the insights and wisdom coming from our member institutions. One prompt that has helped us understand each other at a deeper level is simple: ask people to share the story of a past initiative, whether it worked or failed, and in doing so share a snapshot of how change really happens on that campus. It can help to frame it as "the advice you would leave behind for someone new who wants to understand how change happens here," as if you were about to walk out the door.
As people share different examples they have lived through, you want them to describe how it was staffed, who was involved, where the idea came from, how it moved through the institution, and what challenges or surprises shaped the outcome.
If you are about to plan a new project, I recommend trying this in a group setting. Listening to these stories is eye-opening. As colleagues share, have them jot down the patterns they notice: “leadership buy-in was critical in this particular way,” “faculty engagement in this way made or broke it,” “cross-functional teams with these specific elements mattered.” By the end, you will see a rough formula for what makes change possible in your campus culture.
While we also recommend an autopsy process after projects that do not work out, this experience is not about dissecting failure. It is about surfacing the collective knowledge on your campus and identifying the key ingredients for change in this particular place and culture. The process builds trust, generates insights, and helps people see that they know more about the formula for change on their campus than they realize. Some elements may be specific to one initiative and not universal, but the reflection ensures you are not starting from zero when planning for the future. Too often, when we launch something new, we simply name a person responsible and little else.
This prompt has been powerful for us, and it surfaced a deeper opportunity to think about change management as a tool for planning future success. What about you? I would love to hear what prompt you have found especially useful when helping your team or colleagues plan for change.
Warmly,
Bridget
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Network Updates
- Congratulations to Dr. John Buckwalter, just named the next Provost at the University of Central Florida. John comes to UCF after serving as Provost at Boise State and as dean of Health and Human Sciences at Kansas State.
- A warm welcome back to Dr. Roy Haggerty, Oregon State University’s new Provost and Executive Vice President. Roy recently served as Provost at LSU, but he is no stranger to OSU, where he spent two decades as a faculty member and leader.
- We’re thrilled to welcome J. Rex Tolliver as the University of South Carolina’s first UIA liaison. Rex, who serves as Vice President for Student Affairs and Academic Support, is returning to the Alliance after previously representing UIC. He brings deep experience in student services and a strong students-first approach.
- We’re excited to introduce Brie Mondragon, the new UIA Fellow at the University of Colorado Denver. Brie is Senior Program Coordinator of Student Success Initiatives at CU-D and brings expertise in supporting at-risk students and boosting retention.
- Finally, a big welcome to Jennifer Condon, the first UIA Fellow at Temple University. Jennifer comes to Temple from GSU, where she focused on first-year experience, student success, and retention. She’s eager to bring that expertise to her new campus.
Learn with Us
- [Podcast] CU Denver Chancellor and UIA board member, Kenneth Christensen, shows how leading with clarity can unite a campus around student success. From reimagining access to walking the halls with purpose, his story is a reminder that clarity and collaboration fuel real transformation.
- [Blog] The question “Is college still worth it?” sparked a lively debate between Achieve Partners’ Ryan Craig and our own Bridget Burns at ASU+GSV. We pulled together the highlights so you can catch the key arguments without missing a beat.
- [Podcast] University of North Texas President Harrison Keller brings clarity to higher ed’s toughest questions, from ROI and AI to what real leadership requires.
- [Blog] Portland State University President Ann Cudd shares how leading with empathy and purpose can help navigate disruption while staying grounded in core values, a timely reminder of the power of people-centered leadership.
Want more? Check out all of our blog posts and podcast episodes.
Must Reads
What we’re learning about this month at the UIA:
- New America research shows students highly value work-based learning opportunities for strengthening academics, building confidence, and preparing for careers.
- ETS’s Human Progress Report maps progress and persistent opportunity gaps in U.S. education, helping leaders see where to focus next.
- This Harvard Business Review article argues that systems thinking helps leaders navigate disruptions, find clarity, and drive lasting change.
- The Complete College America Photo Library offers free, authentic images to help higher education storytellers represent today's students.
Events to Put on Your Radar
- September 8-10, 2025; NCAN 30th Anniversary Conference; New Orleans, Louisiana
- September 23-24, 2025; AASCU Postsecondary Value Symposium; Washington, D.C.
- September 29 -October 1, 2025; Convergence: Credential Innovation in Higher Education; Washington, D.C.
- October 20-23, 2025; International College Learning Center Association (ICLCA) Annual Conference; Rapid City, SD
- October 21-23, 2025; ACL Annual Conference; Washington, D.C.
- October 21-23, 2025; WCET 2025; Denver, CO
- October 26-29, 2025; NACADA Annual Conference; Las Vegas, NV
- October 27-30, 2025; EDUCAUSE Annual Conference; Nashville, TN
- November 3-5, 2025; P3•EDU; Atlanta, GA
- November 9-11, 2025; APLU Annual Meeting; Philadelphia, PA
- November 10-13, 2025; CBExchange; Phoenix, AZ
- November 14-17, 2025; AASCU 2025 Annual Conference for Presidents and Chancellors; Nashville, TN
- November 17-19, 2025, CCA Annual Convening; Baltimore, MD
- January 21-23, 2026, AAC&U Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C.
- February 8-11, 2026, NASFAA Leadership & Legislative Conference & Expo, Washington, D.C.
- February 25-28, 2026, American Council on Education (ACE) Experience, Washington, D.C.
- March 9-12, 2026, SXSW EDU, Austin, Texas
Stuff We Love
- These snack bag variety packs are a smart simple solution.
- Soft Kettlebells for working out at home.
- Are you wanting to try the indirect lighting trend in your home?
- These work really well for washing your sneakers.
- Sleek option to hide a guest bed.
Systems change doesn’t mean avoiding conflict. It means building structures that can absorb disruption, protect safety, and still move the mission forward.