IngenioUs

Melissa Morriss-Olson
  • 4,9 (9)
  • ENTREPRENARIAT
  • TOUTES LES 2 SEMAINES

Welcome to IngenioUs — where conversations spark innovation and open doors to the future of higher education. Our podcast is a dedicated space for deep dives with the most original minds and active changemakers in academia. Each episode is a journey through the ideas and actions of those at the forefront, pushing boundaries and redefining what's possible in higher ed. Join us as we explore academic innovation, uncovering insights and inspirations from those who dare to think differently.

  1. The Opportunity Economist - A Conversation with University of Saint Joseph President Dr. Rhona Free

    -2 J

    The Opportunity Economist - A Conversation with University of Saint Joseph President Dr. Rhona Free

    Join host Melissa Morriss-Olson for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Rhona C. Free, president of the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut. As the first non-Catholic president of this Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Dr. Free has transformed USJ into what the Carnegie Foundation recently recognized as an "opportunity college"—one of only 16% of institutions nationwide that successfully combines high access for diverse students with high post-graduation earnings. In this episode, Dr. Free shares her remarkable journey from first-generation college student and immigrant to transformational university president. Her unique background as an economist trained in both radical social justice economics and traditional market analysis has shaped her approach to institutional leadership, combining strategic decision-making with unwavering values. Listeners will discover how Dr. Free navigated the historic 2018 transition from women's college to coeducational institution, including the data-driven analysis that informed this pivotal decision and the comprehensive strategy that ensured its success. She reveals the fascinating story behind recruiting legendary UConn basketball coach Jim Calhoun and explains how strategic investment in athletics complemented rather than competed with academic excellence. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Free demonstrates what colleagues describe as her "calm and steady" leadership style, rooted in thorough consultation, deliberate decision-making, and her grandmother's wisdom that "an ounce of performance is worth a pound of preaching." She discusses how her economics training helps her understand institutional behaviors and student motivations while maintaining focus on creating opportunities for those who might otherwise be overlooked. The episode explores themes of values-based leadership, strategic transformation, the intersection of mission and financial sustainability, and the profound impact of believing in student potential regardless of background. Dr. Free's insights offer valuable lessons for anyone interested in educational leadership, institutional change management, or creating equity in higher education. Key topics include the founding mission and current culture of USJ, the role of athletics in institutional transformation, navigating controversy through consultation and transparency, applying economic principles to educational leadership, creating scholarship programs that expand access, and maintaining personal grounding through family support and daily practices like running. This conversation illuminates how effective leadership combines strategic thinking with genuine care for others, demonstrating that institutions can be both mission-driven and financially successful when guided by leaders who understand that investing in people creates the highest returns. About Dr. Rhona C. Free: Dr. Free serves as president of the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut. She holds advanced degrees in economics and previously served in leadership roles at Eastern Connecticut State University. Under her leadership, USJ has been recognized as Connecticut's only "opportunity college" by the Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education. About Ingenious U: Ingenious U explores the stories and strategies of higher education's most innovative leaders, examining how they navigate challenges, drive transformation, and create lasting impact in theirinstitutions and communities.

    50 min
  2. New Year, New Perspectives: David Staley on The Agentic Student

    4 SEPT. · BONUS

    New Year, New Perspectives: David Staley on The Agentic Student

    In this month’s University Design column, David Staley explores the provocative idea of The Agentic Student. With AI agents increasingly embedded in our daily lives, what happens when students begin sending them to class—not just to take notes, but to participate, ask questions, and even take exams? Staley examines the possibilities and challenges of this emerging “representative education,” where human learners are joined (or even replaced) by their AI counterparts. What does this mean for learning, teaching, and the future design of higher education? Listen as David reads his essay aloud and invites us to imagine what comes next.

    5 min
  3. Beyond Perfect: How Embracing Vulnerability Became a University President's Superpower: A Conversation with University of Bridgeport President Danielle Wilken

    2 SEPT.

    Beyond Perfect: How Embracing Vulnerability Became a University President's Superpower: A Conversation with University of Bridgeport President Danielle Wilken

    About This Episode Join host Melissa Morriss-Olson for an extraordinary conversation with Dr. Danielle Wilken, President of the University of Bridgeport, as she shares her remarkable journey from a 20-year career at Goodwin University to leading one of higher education's most compelling turnaround stories. This episode offers rare insights into transformational leadership, authentic communication, I don't know which one is this Danielle is 16and the delicate balance of executive leadership and motherhood. About Our Guest Dr. Danielle Wilken serves as President of the University of Bridgeport, where she has led a dramatic institutional transformation since 2021. Prior to her presidency, she spent nearly two decades at Goodwin University, risingthrough the ranks to become Provost and developing her expertise in Universal Design for Learning. Her leadership philosophy centers on transparent communication, collaborative decision-making, and the belief that educationserves as a pathway to transforming lives, families, and communities. Key Themes Explored The Power of Long-Term Institutional Commitment Danielle discusses her unusual 20-year tenure at Goodwin University and how deep institutional knowledge andrelationship-building prepared her for transformational leadership. She challenges the conventional wisdom of frequent career moves in higher education and explains why mission-driven commitment often creates more effective leaders than title-chasing advancement. Building Trust Through Transparent Communication The conversation explores how Danielle established trust during the complex partnership between GoodwinUniversity and University of Bridgeport, including the challenging bi-weekly town halls during the transition period. She shares specific strategies for maintaining honesty while navigating uncertainty and how transparency became the foundation for cultural transformation. Innovation Through Inclusive Leadership Learn about the "UB Shark Tank" initiative where faculty and staff pitch ideas directly to cabinet leadership, and discover how this approach has generated concrete results including student-ledcompanies, new athletic programs, and revenue-generating academic initiatives. Danielle explains how decentralized innovation creates buy-in and surfacesopportunities that senior leadership might otherwise miss. Universal Design for Learning as Institutional Philosophy Danielle shares her passion for Universal Design for Learning, explaining how this pedagogical approach movesbeyond labeling students to leveraging their individual assets. The discussion reveals how UDL principles have influenced not just curriculum design but institutional culture and decision-making processes. Authentic Leadership and Work-Life Integration In one of the most candid discussions about executive leadership and motherhood, Danielle addresses the myth thatwomen can "have it all" simultaneously. She shares practical insights about managing competing priorities, building goodwill with family members, and using authenticity as a leadership strength rather than vulnerability. The Legacy of Mentorship and Family Influence The episode includes touching reflections on how daily conversations with her father shaped Danielle's leadership approach and decision-making process. She also discusses being mentored by three women leaders at Goodwin and how observing different leadership styles helped her develop her own authentic approach. Leadership Lessons This conversation offers valuable insights for current and aspiring leaders about the importance of presence over administrative isolation, the power of listening and connecting seemingly unrelated ideas, and the necessity of celebrating wins while navigating ongoing challenges. Danielle's approach demonstrates how vulnerability and authenticity can become leadership superpowers when combined with clear vision and consistent execution.

    52 min
  4. Leading with All of Me: Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills on Authentic Leadership and Lasting Impact

    19 AOÛT

    Leading with All of Me: Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills on Authentic Leadership and Lasting Impact

    In this episode of the IngenioUs podcast, host Melissa Morriss-Olson sits down with Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills, president of Aurora University and the first Latina to lead the institution.Susana’s inspiring journey—from immigrating to the United States during the Salvadoran Civil War to becoming a transformative leader in higher education—offers a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and purpose-drivenleadership. Listeners will hear: How her early experiences in a country whereacademic freedom was under attack shaped her lifelong commitment to open dialogue and diverse perspectives.Why becoming Aurora’s first Latina president was a deeply personal and “full-circle” moment forher—and what it means for students to see themselves reflected in leadership.The two-sided “superpower” she brings to the presidency: leading with authenticity and seeingthe humanity in others.The powerful lesson she learned about building initiatives that last beyond a leader’s tenure.How she is creating a groundbreaking career ecosystemthat integrates career readiness into every aspect of the student experience.Practical,empowering advice for aspiring women leaders, especially first-generation professionals and leaders of color.Susana’s leadership story is a reminder that lasting impact comes from aligning who you are with the work you do—and frombuilding institutions where everyone has the freedom to bring their wholeselves to the table. About the Guest: Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills is the 14th president of Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois, and the first Latina to hold the role. An accomplished scholar and leader with a background in sociolinguistics, she has devoted her career toadvancing student success, institutional transformation, and inclusive community engagement. Before joining Aurora University, she served in senior leadership roles at Ball State University, Oregon State University, and Northern Arizona University. Her leadership is anchored in authenticity,equity, and the belief in higher education’s power to change lives—not just for individuals, but for entire families and communities. Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded of the transformative power of authentic leadership in higher education. Listen now and subscribe to IngenioUs wherever you get your podcasts.

    56 min

  5. 12 AOÛT · BONUS

    When Chaos Becomes Your Catalyst

    What if we told you that the most successful higher education leaders don't avoid chaos—they harness it?While others are paralyzed by uncertainty, these "chaos pilots" are transforming disruption into opportunity, setbacks into sidesteps, and ambiguity into innovation.In today's release—the fifth installment of Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson's IngenioUs Leadership blog series—she dives deep into Chapter 8: Chaos as Catalyst, exploring how exceptional leaders navigate our rapidly changing landscape with what poet John Keats called "negative capability": the ability to thrive in uncertainty without frantically reaching for certainty.Read: Two Essential Habits of Chaos Pilots Read the full blog post here: "Chaos as Catalyst: Piloting Through Challenges and Opportunities"Discover how leaders like: E. Gordon Gee turned a $45 million budget deficit into a catalyst for transformationMichael Sorrell made a bold accreditation pivot that saved Paul Quinn CollegeNicholas Covino is revolutionizing mental health on campus by questioning fundamental assumptionsBen Nelson completely reimagined higher education with Minerva University's radical modelYou'll learn the two core habits that separate leaders who merely manage change from those who design it—and practical ways to implement these strategies immediately.But here's what makes this release extra special... Watch the companion video featuring voices from Dr. Morriss-Olson's latest podcast season Check out our  powerful 15-minute video that brings these concepts to life through the authentic voices of remarkable women leaders, including: Dr. Annette Parker (South Central College) on strategic thinking during industry disruptionDr. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (Augustana University) on the art of strategic risk-takingDr. Barbara Mistick (NAICU) on cross-industry innovation strategiesDr. Sandra Harper  (McMurry University) on resilience for the long-termDr. Marcheta Evans (St. Catherine University) on radical transparency as transformationDr. Tuajuanda Jordan (St. Mary's College of Maryland) on systematic self-renewalWhere am I trying to control what cannot be controlled?How might my current "crisis" actually be an opportunity in disguise?What experiment could I start today that might fail—but could also transform everything?How am I modeling resilience and growth for my community?The future of higher education won't be built by leaders who avoid chaos—it will be shaped by those who learn to pilot through it.Navigate with purpose. Lead through uncertainty. Pilot with courage.Best,The CHELIP TeamP.S. After you read and watch, we'd love to hear which insight resonated most with you. Simply reply to this email and share your thoughts—we read every response personally. These leaders don't just talk about thriving in chaos—they demonstrate it through their lived experiences and hard-won wisdom.Your Chaos Navigation QuestionsAs you engage with both the blog and video, consider these reflection questions:What's Next?This is the fifth of six installments in Dr. Morriss-Olson's IngenioUs Leadership blog series, each lifting up core themes from her book that emerged through interviews with higher education leaders across the country.Haven't caught up on the previous posts? You can find the complete series here.Want to dive deeper? Her book IngenioUs Leadership: Creating Solutions to Wicked Problems in Higher Education provides the complete framework and additional insights from all her research.

    17 min
  6. Representation with Integrity: The Purpose-Driven Leadership of Dr. Marcheta Evans

    22 JUIL.

    Representation with Integrity: The Purpose-Driven Leadership of Dr. Marcheta Evans

    In this inspiring episode of IngenioUs, host Melissa Morriss-Olson speaks with Dr. Marcheta Evans, the 12th—and first African American—president of St. Catherine University in Minnesota. With warmth, wisdom, and conviction,Dr. Evans shares her extraordinary journey from humble beginnings in the segregated South to the highest levels of higher education leadership. Listeners will gain insight into what it means to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose in today’s complex environment. Dr. Evans discusses her experience as a “first” in many leadership roles, her commitment to access andequity, and the lessons she learned while leading Bloomfield College through a high-stakes merger. She also speaks openly about the emotional toll of leadership, the power of faith and joy, and the importance of mentoring the next generation—especially women and people of color. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in transformationalleadership, social justice, and the future of higher education. 🎙️ In This Episode, You’ll Hear: How she led Bloomfield College through financial crisis and merger with transparency and courageThe role of radical empathy and faith in her leadership philosophyStrategies for navigating today’s pushback on DEI and social justice workPractical and soulful advice for women—and especially women of color—who aspire to leadHer reflections on legacy, joy, and creating lasting impact in the lives of students and communities🔗 Resources and Mentions: St. Catherine University https://www.stkate.eduBloomfield College / Montclair State Merger Info: https://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/insights/bloomfield-college-forges-new-pathMore about Dr. Evans’ leadership journey: https://www.marchetaevans.com/📬 Stay Connected: Be sure to subscribe to IngenioUs for more conversations withcourageous and creative higher ed leaders. If you enjoyed this episode, pleaseleave a review and share it with a colleague!

    48 min
  7. From Inner-City Classroom to Founding a College—A Radical Act of Empathy. The Eileen Moran Brown Leadership Story.

    8 JUIL.

    From Inner-City Classroom to Founding a College—A Radical Act of Empathy. The Eileen Moran Brown Leadership Story.

    In this inspiring episode of IngenioUs, host Dr. MelissaMorriss-Olson speaks with Eileen Moran Brown, founding president of Cambridge College, whose legacy in higher education is both bold and deeply human. With no blueprint but an unwavering belief in the potential of underservedlearners, Eileen built one of the most progressive and inclusive colleges in the country—long before terms like “access” and “equity” were part of thehigher ed lexicon. From her early years teaching in an inner-city high school, toco-founding a college that transformed thousands of lives, Eileen’s story is one of visionary leadership, fierce empathy, and courageous innovation. Along the way, she encountered setbacks, navigated politics, and leaned on a networkof unexpected allies—including a Rockefeller, a former student named Patti LaBelle, and a cohort of students many had written off. This is an unforgettable conversation that reminds us what’s possible when you lead from a place of deep purpose and refuse to give up. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: How she came to found Cambridge College—and the hurdles she overcame to do soWhat it means to build a truly inclusive and learner-centered institutionThe leadership lessons that sustained her through decades of transformationHer advice for today’s higher ed leaders who want to make equity real 📘 Mentioned in this episode: Eileen Moran Brown’s memoir: It’s Not Where You Start, It’s Where You Finish (Available wherever books are sold) 👤 About Our Guest: Eileen Moran Brown is the founding president of Cambridge College, an institution built to serve working adults, first-generation learners, and students traditionallyexcluded from higher education. A lifelong educator and advocate, Eileen is known for her student-centered philosophy, her courageous leadership, and her enduring impact on the lives of thousands.

    44 min
  8. Jumping Over the Waves: A Legacy of Leadership, Resilience, and Service

    24 JUIN

    Jumping Over the Waves: A Legacy of Leadership, Resilience, and Service

    What does it take to lead through waves of challenge, transformation, and deep institutional change—without losing your sense of purpose? In this week’s IngenioUs episode, I sit down with Dr. Sandra Harper, a seasoned and celebrated higher ed leader whose story is both refreshingly candid and deeply inspiring. Dr. Harper is a two-time university president, the first woman and first Catholic to lead McMurry University, and a lifelongadvocate for servant leadership and women's advancement in higher education. From her unexpected start in academia—sparkedby the symbolism of academic regalia at her own college graduation—to her return to McMurry during a time of financial crisis, Sandra’s journey is one of resilience, readiness, and remarkable wisdom. In this conversation, you’ll hear: How symbolic leadership shaped her approach—andwhy it still matters todayThe surprising storybehind McMurry’s transition from college to universityWhat it means to “lean in” to difference as a first woman or first anythingHer advice foraspiring women leaders—including how to prepare inwardly and outwardlyThe metaphor that sustained her across decades of leadership: jumping over the waves Dr. Harper reminds us that titles don’t make leaders—impact does. And her legacy is one of deep, lasting impact.🎧 Tune in now to this rich, wide-ranging conversation:

    58 min
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À propos

Welcome to IngenioUs — where conversations spark innovation and open doors to the future of higher education. Our podcast is a dedicated space for deep dives with the most original minds and active changemakers in academia. Each episode is a journey through the ideas and actions of those at the forefront, pushing boundaries and redefining what's possible in higher ed. Join us as we explore academic innovation, uncovering insights and inspirations from those who dare to think differently.

Informations

  • Création
    Melissa Morriss-Olson
  • Années d’activité
    2020 - 2025
  • Épisodes
    217
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © Melissa Morriss-Olson
  • Site web de l’émission
    IngenioUs

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