About the Episode
About the Episode: Join host Dr. Bryan Gross in this deeply personal and inspiring episode of Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook as he sits down with President Jim Mullen and his colleagues - the senior leaders of Hartwick College. This episode delves into the heart of the college's unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of health and wellness, both academically and beyond the classroom walls.
Guests share candid reflections on their journeys to Hartwick and the profound impact of its community-driven ethos. From the outset, it's evident that Hartwick College isn't just a place of higher learning; it's a beacon of support and empowerment. Through rich dialogue, Dr. Gross and his guests illuminate what it means when there is true joy in being collaborative partners and friends at the senior leadership level.
Discover the secrets behind building resilient teams and nurturing a faculty culture that thrives on collaboration and mutual respect. Learn firsthand about the transformative power of networking and the profound importance of having a personal mission in higher education.
But this episode isn't just about professional insights; it's about the human experience of leading and learning. Dr. Gross and his guests peel back the layers to reveal the joys and challenges of serving as stewards of Hartwick's legacy. From navigating complexities to celebrating triumphs, they offer a rare glimpse into the soul of a college president.
As the conversation unfolds, the essence of Hartwick College comes to life through the lens of its leaders. And what better way to capture that essence than through music? Stay tuned as Bryan and his guests share heartfelt song selections that encapsulate the spirit of Hartwick, leaving listeners inspired and uplifted.
Tune in to "A Culture of Health and Wellness at Hartwick College" and immerse yourself in a journey of discovery, passion, and purpose.
Key Takeaways
- Commitment to Health and Wellness: Hartwick places a strong focus on health and wellness through initiatives in academics, athletics, and personal well-being. This commitment is evident in Hartwick’s approach to community and student life, where wellness extends beyond the classroom.
- Meta Majors and Thematic Learning: The college has adopted “meta majors” in fields like health, global experience, and community impact to help students focus on meaningful, interconnected themes within a liberal arts framework.
- Robust Career Development and Alumni Network: Hartwick’s innovative “Our Network” initiative leverages alumni, families, and industry partners to connect students with career-building experiences from internships to mentorships.
- A Distinctive Campus Environment: Hartwick’s beautiful upstate New York setting plays a vital role in the college’s wellness initiatives, with outdoor spaces and local trails enhancing students' overall experience and sense of community.
Episode Summary
How Does Hartwick Embrace Health and Wellness in Academics and Beyond?
Hartwick College’s commitment to health and wellness is woven throughout its academic and campus life. From the classroom to athletic fields, wellness is prioritized in ways that impact student success and campus culture. Provost Laurel Bongiorno highlights how the college's longstanding nursing program is emblematic of this focus, preparing students for impactful roles in healthcare. Additionally, Hartwick’s commitment to scholar-athletes is a testament to its holistic approach—balancing academics with athletics to support students’ well-being and performance.
Beyond academics, Hartwick fosters wellness through physical infrastructure, such as exercise facilities available to faculty, staff, and students alike. The campus layout itself, which Provost Bongiorno humorously calls the “Stairmaster Campus,” encourages movement and physical health daily. This dedication to wellness extends to the faculty and staff, where work-life balance is supported through flexible schedules and outdoor spaces.
What Are Meta Majors, and How Do They Support Hartwick’s Mission?
Hartwick has introduced “meta majors,” now referred to as academic themes, to streamline the liberal arts experience and give students a focused yet flexible path in their studies. These themes—Health and Wellbeing, Global Experience, Arts and Innovation, and Community Impact—allow students to engage in interconnected areas that align with both personal and professional growth.
This approach to education at Hartwick goes beyond traditional majors, enabling students to pursue broader themes that encompass multiple disciplines and career paths. By identifying these core themes, the college creates a shared vision among faculty and students, fostering academic innovation and encouraging faculty to collaborate across disciplines.
How Does Hartwick’s “Our Network” Initiative Enhance Career Development?
VP of Advancement James Keller describes Hartwick’s approach to career development as a natural extension of the college’s community. The “Our Network” initiative connects students with alumni, industry partners, and other mentors who provide valuable career insights, mentorship, and job opportunities. By integrating alumni relations, family engagement, and career services, Hartwick ensures that students gain meaningful career connections and experiences throughout their time at college.
Signature programs like the Success Summit and career experiences in major metro areas bring students face-to-face with industry leaders, facilitating site visits, networking opportunities, and job shadowing. These initiatives not only help students gain a competitive edge but also foster a lifelong connection to the Hartwick community. As Keller notes, the impact is evident in alumni stories, with graduates finding opportunities in new cities and roles thanks to these early connections.
How Does Hartwick’s Location and Campus Setting Support Wellness and Distinction?
Located in picturesque upstate New York, Hartwick’s environment is a foundational aspect of its health and wellness philosophy. The campus offers expansive views and outdoor spaces that encourage students, faculty, and staff to engage with nature, contributing to a sense of peace and well-being. The college has intentionally designed spaces like its Frisbee field, outdoor seating areas, and scenic trails to foster connection, community, and personal rejuvenation.
As VP Gail Glover highlights, Hartwick’s setting also provides a unique backdrop for storytelling, helping the college differentiate itself in a competitive higher education landscape. The natural environment plays an active role in student life, with scenic trails and group activities that encourage exploration and mental health, ultimately enriching the Hartwick experience.
What Advice Do Hartwick Leaders Have for Aspiring Higher Education Professionals?
As the team reflects on their careers, they offer valuable advice to future leaders in higher education. Gail Glover emphasizes the importance of networking and relationship-building, both within and beyond the college campus. By fostering connections, young professionals can gain perspectives that will serve them well throughout their careers.
James Keller advises aligning personal values with professional goals, drawing on his own experience as a first-generation college graduate. He encourages aspiring leaders to remember their personal “why” to stay motivated, especially during challenging times. Provost Laurel Bongiorno stresses the value of reframing challenges as opportunities, maintaining a proactive mindset, and developing a toolkit of skills for effective leadership.
President Jim Mullen reflects on the multifaceted role of a college president, underscoring the need for thick skin, strong interpersonal skills, and an appreciation for the unique community each college represents. Mullen believes that the best leaders are those who understand and embrace the culture of their institution, and who foster relationships with the board, faculty, students, and alumni to drive meaningful progress.
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.
Connect With Our Host:
Dr. Bryan Gross
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-j-gross/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Higher Ed Pulse and Generation AI.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Connect with Us at the Engage Summit: Exciting news — Bryan will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.
Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200.
Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!
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