Jonathan Paul, Ph.D.

“Higher education institutions are poised and well positioned to illuminate pathways for people seeking to thrive within the green economy. By leveraging their resources, expertise, and networks, these institutions can play a pivotal role in nurturing talent and fostering the development of “green lights”. I define a “green light” in this piece as the convergence of skillset, societal need, and prioritized opportunity within the burgeoning green economy. Green lights represent not just an individual’s potential, but a pathway to meaningful contribution and personal fulfillment. A report from the Brookings Institution outlines the opportunities that will be emerging in the green economy stating that “the transition to a cleaner and more resilient economy will be one of the most significant economic and physical transformations in U.S. history. Trillions of dollars will be required to adopt clean energy, retrofit homes and businesses, establish new manufacturing processes, and protect cities and towns from changing weather patterns.” At the core of the green lights paradigm is the notion that possessing a robust skillset, validated by the attainment of high-value industry credentials, forms the foundation for success in the green economy. This proficiency is not merely theoretical; it is a tangible demonstration of expertise ready to be deployed in real-world scenarios.

Coupled with skillset is societal need, exemplified by the existence of positions offering competitive compensation. These opportunities are more than just job listings—they represent the demand for individuals who can drive innovation and progress in environmentally sustainable practices.

However, the intersection of skillset and societal need alone is insufficient without a prioritized chance to apply these abilities in a meaningful way. This is where decision-makers and entities play a crucial role in recognizing and nurturing talent, providing the steppingstones for individuals to advance and excel within the green economy. The urgency to create green lights stems from the impending gap in the workforce, particularly in sectors with an aging demographic set to retire without a qualified influx of replacements. To address this challenge, initiatives must be developed to attract and retain the next generation of talent, making green career pathways appealing and accessible to young individuals……” - https://lnkd.in/e3B7cRs8

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In today's dynamic educational landscape, small to medium-sized nonprofit institutions are navigating challenges that demand a strategic approach aligned with their core mission. I've developed the Value Lens Approach, a framework to guide institutions in aligning actions and resources with their mission and core distinctions. In my latest article, I delve into how the Value Lens Approach can empower educational leaders to boost institutional resilience and performance. This method emphasizes strategic alignment, data-driven decision-making, and optimized resource management to ensure decisions support long-term sustainability and success. Explore how this approach can revolutionize your institution’s strategy and operations: https://lnkd.in/euaR8c_f #HigherEducation #StrategicPlanning #ValueLens #Leadership #NonprofitInstitutions #EducationInnovation #Sustainability #CoreEducation

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Regional economic resilience is the topic of a National Economic Research and Resilience Center report by Argonne National Laboratory and the The Pew Charitable Trusts report on Philadelphia’s economic recovery 👉🏾 https://lnkd.in/g6Up5Wj4

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A very helpful strategy framework for higher education that moves away from static and broad strategic plans and offers priorities that can be used to guide decisions and reallocate resources. Traditional strategic planning often takes too much time and ends up producing strategic plans that are similar to other colleges and universities. This approach will allow colleges and universities to focus on what makes them unique and who they serve. #strategy #strategicplanning #highereducation #futureready https://lnkd.in/e8-guwqE

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This past spring I was invited to participate in the Center on Reinventing Public Education's AI Learning Forum. AI raises a host of questions and issues for all of us - in K12 and higher education, some good some not so much. Readers of my blog will know that I have spent quite a lot of my time and energy on these issues over the past couple of years. I really enjoyed meeting and spending a couple of days, at this forum, with a bunch of smart people, learning and talking, exploring the possibilities, challenges of generative AI. CRPE has taken these conversations and crafted a report title: Wicked Opportunities: Leveraging AI to Transform Education. The report takes a balanced view on how AI can address “wicked problems” like achievement gaps and teacher shortages, but not shying away from the challenges that of  bridging existing disparities and aligning edtech developments with student needs. In brief, the report recommends: Convene and connect cross-sector leaders to strengthen AI literacy in support of education. Seed a national education leadership strategy. Focus on the “art of the possible” to spread powerful ideas for transforming education in the age of AI. Catalyze investment in research and development for early-stage AI adoptions, innovations, and collaborations. You can read more about our takeaways and action plan for leaders in the field.  https://bit.ly/3WviNWe   #AI #Education #CRPEForum #EdTech #Innovation

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I am often asked “what type of budget model works best for universities?” This is the wrong question, or at least incorrectly cast. To get to the right questions, and the needed answers for any decision, we first need some history, some present-day context, and some insight into WHY, WHEN, and HOW new budget models are designed and implemented at universities. We also need to understand the organizational, operational, and decision-making dynamics that characterize much of US higher education today. My article on this important topic will be published in the January issue of AGB (Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges) Trusteeship magazine. Stay tuned and let's continue the conversation. #highered #universities #budgets #budgetmodels #finances #changemanagement #responsibilitycenteredmanagement #faculty #governance #boards #leadership #strategy #transparency

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Looking to increase student retention? This article provides some great insights for higher education leaders & professionals.

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Strategic Frameworks > Overspending on external consultants Most higher ed leaders are struggling to differentiate their institutions. And the struggle + slow pacing are impacting the overall budget. That's why we created the Differentiation Toolkit. In just eight weeks, not 12-18 months, you can: → Pin down what truly makes your school unique with Brand Anthropology. → Focus your efforts with a targeted Competitor Analysis. → Align your offerings with real Labor Market Demands. Watch the video below to see how to save time and money while getting ahead.

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More thoughts on #efficiency in #highered. We’re approaching structural issues now. Work will change to meet student demand, starting with #faculty. These are tough conversations, but necessary ones as institutions seek to remain viable in the face of declining enrollment. Institutions will need #courage and #leadership from many seats to accomplish this aim.

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Some very interesting findings in BDO USA's 8th annual Nonprofit Standards benchmarking survey of higher education leaders/executives -- including observations related to board and donor engagement, program reviews and key institutional challenges. Several of these observations are consistent with data/findings from NACUBO... #highereducation

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College Closure Alert: The higher education landscape is shifting dramatically. In just the first 9 months of 2024, 28 degree-granting institutions have closed - nearly double the total closures from 2023. Key findings from The Hechinger Report: a. Nearly 300 colleges and universities offering associate degrees or higher closed between 2008-2023. b. 60% of closures were for-profit institutions. c. Only about half of affected students successfully transfer to other institutions The driving factors: a. Declining birth rates = fewer high school graduates; b. Post-COVID enrollment challenges; c. Growing skepticism about highered program ROI. #HigherEducation #EducationTrends #Students #Enrollment #CollegeEnrollment #Education #StudentSuccess #HigherEd #CollegeAccess #EdChat

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Join me this week to learn more about multi- campus systems and the concept of systemness. We’ll also throw in some info about The National Association of Higher Education Systems as well. Hope to see you there! #highered #systemness #systemsthinking #highereducationleadership

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Higher ed needs change...And change management. Wherein I argue that #highered institutions should establish a #strategy and #change office for the years ahead. #changemanagement #leadership #highered #highereducation

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Great article on new Financial Value Transparecy (FVT) rule coming to Higher Ed. 💡

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As we celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (#ADA34), let’s also use this moment to mark a new era in higher education – an era of collaboration and bold thinking about access that leads to equitable outcomes for all. My piece in Diverse: Issues In Higher Education calls on other university leaders to center learners with disabilities in our #HigherEducation systems. As #HigherEd institutions, we have a responsibility to build truly inclusive systems. At Southern New Hampshire University, we know when we do this, all of #TodaysLearners benefit.  More on how we can do this and why it matters: https://lnkd.in/eF2GGw7r      

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2025 - I just put the finishing touches on my 3 Predictions for #highereducation in 2025. To all the "thought leaders" out there writing ... their lists of predictions, I issue a very simple challenge for the betterment of the #highered community and our limited time to consume media. Please don't write something like - "Expect closures, mergers, and acquisitions to continue in 2025". "We know", says Captain Obvious and everyone working in higher education. I'll be publishing my predictions soon, and they'll be SPECIFIC! #collegesanduniversities #education #educationpolicy #leadership

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