The Value of Visionary Leadership in Higher Education: Hot Takes with Bryan Gross

In a recent episode of the The Higher Ed Geek Podcast, host Dustin Ramsdell engaged in an enlightening conversation with Bryan Gross, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Athletics at Hartwick College. This special episode explored Gross’s extensive background in higher education and provided a deep dive into the evolving challenges and opportunities in the field, particularly through the lens of digital transformation and leadership.

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From International Admissions to Enrollment Management: A Journey of Passion and Purpose

Bryan Gross's journey into higher education is both unique and inspiring. With over 20 years of experience across various institutions, Gross began his career in international admissions at the University of Bridgeport, a role that took him across Asia, engaging with students from diverse backgrounds. This experience laid the foundation for his later roles in enrollment management at institutions like St. John’s University and Western New England University.

Interestingly, Gross didn’t start his career with a clear intention of entering higher education. Initially, he pursued a career in counseling and psychology, working as a therapist before transitioning to teaching. It was during his time as a high school English teacher that he discovered a passion for helping students with their college applications. This led to a fortuitous opportunity in international admissions, allowing him to combine his love for travel with a burgeoning interest in higher education—a clear example of how career paths can evolve in unexpected but fulfilling ways.

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Visionary Voices: A Podcast with a Purpose

The conversation naturally segued into a discussion about Gross’s podcast, Visionary Voices: The College President's Playbook. This show, which features interviews with college presidents and their senior leadership teams, aims to provide a counter-narrative to the often negative discourse surrounding higher education. Gross’s inspiration for the podcast stemmed from his doctoral research at the University of Southern California, where he explored the importance of collaboration among senior leaders in higher education.

The podcast serves as a platform to highlight successful strategies and initiatives that require broad-based collaboration on college campuses. By focusing on the positive aspects of higher education leadership, Gross hopes to inspire current and aspiring leaders to see the immense value and joy in their work. His approach underscores the importance of relationships and collaboration in achieving meaningful results, a theme that resonates throughout his career and his current role at Hartwick College.

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The Role of Digital Transformation in Higher Education

As with many discussions in higher education today, the topic of digital transformation inevitably came up. Gross emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation of reliable and accurate data before diving into the latest technological innovations. At Hartwick College, this approach involves focusing on the fundamentals—enhancing customer service, refining admissions processes, and ensuring a seamless campus visit experience—before layering on more advanced digital tools.

Gross also shared a valuable lesson from his previous experience at Western New England University, where he spearheaded an augmented reality project that, while innovative, proved to be ahead of its time. This experience highlighted the importance of timing and the need for any technological investment to be both meaningful and aligned with the institution’s overall strategic goals.

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Leading with Vision and Optimism

Throughout the episode, Gross’s optimism and passion for higher education were palpable. When asked about what keeps him optimistic in the face of the many challenges facing higher education today, Gross pointed to the students themselves. He spoke with admiration about the resilience, intelligence, and social consciousness of today’s college students, expressing confidence in their ability to shape a more equitable and inclusive future.

In a time when higher education is undergoing significant change, leaders like Bryan Gross remind us of the power of visionary leadership and the importance of staying focused on what truly matters—providing students with a transformative educational experience.

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Key Takeaways

• Career Evolution: Gross’s journey from psychology to international admissions illustrates the importance of being open to new opportunities and following one’s passions.
• Positive Leadership Narratives: Visionary Voices seeks to counter the negativity in higher education discourse by showcasing successful leadership and collaboration.
• Digital Transformation: Institutions should prioritize building a strong foundation of accurate data and effective processes before adopting new technologies.
• Optimism in Education: The resilience and engagement of today’s students are a source of optimism and a reminder of the importance of leadership that is both visionary and grounded in the realities of the institution.

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For more insights and inspiring stories from higher education leaders, be sure to listen to the full episode of The Higher Ed Geek on the Enrollify Podcast Network. Tune in to learn more about the innovative strategies and positive leadership practices that are shaping the future of higher education