About the Episode
About the Episode: Dr.’s Elizabeth Meade and Bob Wilson are the living example of a long lasting and positive collaborative relationship in higher education, having worked together for over twenty years as leaders at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA. Now serving as the President and Provost, together, along with the support of literally every member of the campus community, they support Cedar Crest’s Sophomore Expedition Program. Winner of the 2023 NAFSA Paul Simon Award for Internationalization, the Program allows every member of the sophomore class at Cedar Crest to travel abroad together. The program has opened access, improved a number of important campus outcomes and most importantly, changed the lives of the students who participate. In this inaugural episode, we discover how positive collaboration at a small, women's college can make a positive impact on the ground.
Key Takeaways
- Strengthen Collaboration for Impact: Effective teamwork across campus leadership is essential for implementing initiatives that genuinely enhance student experience.
- Focus on Mission-Driven Programs: Aligning all programs with institutional mission creates cohesive, supportive student experiences that foster lasting success.
- Prioritize Technology for Equity: Cedar Crest’s Laptops for Learners program highlights the importance of technology accessibility for student equity and learning outcomes.
- Make Study Abroad Accessible: The Sophomore Expedition offers all students a meaningful study abroad experience without cost, creating a significant impact on personal and academic growth.
- Engage the Entire Campus in Student Success: Cedar Crest’s open call for involvement in programs like the Sophomore Expedition creates a strong community commitment to student success.
Episode Summary
How Did Cedar Crest College Leaders Develop Their Collaborative Culture?
Dr. Elizabeth Meade and Dr. Bob Wilson emphasize the power of teamwork at Cedar Crest College, where a collaborative, mission-driven approach shapes student success. Both leaders attribute their effective partnership to shared values and open communication, creating a culture where innovation thrives. The team meets weekly to brainstorm solutions, allowing various campus stakeholders to contribute ideas freely. This synergy among leadership team members ensures that decisions are student-centered and backed by a diversity of perspectives.
What Are Cedar Crest’s Top Initiatives for Enhancing Student Success?
Cedar Crest College implements several initiatives designed to address both practical and personal student needs. One prominent program is Laptops for Learners, which provides all traditional-age students with a uniform device to ensure access to academic resources and required software. This technology initiative aims to reduce equity gaps, enabling students to focus on learning rather than technological limitations.
Additionally, the Sophomore Expedition, a signature study abroad program, guarantees every sophomore a fully-funded international experience. This unique program serves students who might not typically have access to study abroad, often due to financial constraints. Over 70% of participating students are first-time international travelers, and 68% of Cedar Crest students study abroad—an impressive statistic compared to the national average of only 2.7%.
How Does the Sophomore Expedition Enhance Student Outcomes?
The Sophomore Expedition has a profound impact on Cedar Crest students, offering a holistic study abroad experience that combines academic coursework, community service, and cultural exploration. The entire sophomore class travels together, and Cedar Crest covers all expenses. Students enroll in a preparatory course designed to immerse them in the culture of their destination, making the experience both educational and transformational. The program fosters a strong sense of belonging, boosts employability by building global competencies, and serves as a key recruitment draw for the college.
Dr. Wilson highlights that students returning from the expedition often leverage their international experience in job interviews, linking their studies and global exposure to their career goals. This integration of experiential learning with career preparation is a testament to Cedar Crest’s commitment to equipping students with both academic and practical skills.
How Does Cedar Crest Assess and Refine the Sophomore Expedition?
To ensure the program remains impactful and relevant, Cedar Crest constantly gathers feedback from students, faculty, and staff. They adapt each year based on insights from past trips, allowing students more autonomy in navigating cities and choosing service projects that align with their academic goals. Through structured follow-up sessions, the college helps students reflect on their experiences and connect them to future career opportunities. This ongoing refinement process has made the Sophomore Expedition one of Cedar Crest’s most celebrated initiatives, shaping a unique global learning culture that enriches the entire campus community.
What Advice Do Cedar Crest Leaders Have for Aspiring Higher Ed Administrators?
For those interested in higher education leadership, Dr. Meade recommends developing a well-rounded portfolio that includes experience in areas beyond one’s primary discipline. She emphasizes the value of actively building initiatives that have a tangible impact on student experience, fostering a passion for “building the airplane while flying it.” Dr. Wilson adds that aspiring leaders should prioritize listening to students and understanding their needs as a guiding principle for decision-making. Both leaders agree that centering student well-being and success helps address challenges while advancing the institution’s mission.
About the Show: This show explores a range of critical topics, from navigating financial challenges and embracing technological innovation to fostering student success and promoting diversity and inclusion. Featuring in-depth case studies and a focus on transformative strategies, the podcast is a valuable resource for current and aspiring leaders in academia, offering a playbook of visionary ideas and practical solutions for the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.
About the Enrollify Network: The Visionary Voices podcast is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions pros find their next big idea, and feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Jaime Hunt, Allison Turcio, Jenny Li Fowler, Jeremy Tiers and so many other of your favorite leaders in higher ed.
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