IngenioUs

Melissa Morriss-Olson
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IngenioUs

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

    JUL 8

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

    JUN 24

    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
  3. Innovation with Soul: A Chancellor's Pursuit of Human Potential

    JUN 3

    Innovation with Soul: A Chancellor's Pursuit of Human Potential

    What does it take to build a new kind of university from the ground up—and lead it with both strategy and soul? In this powerful episode of IngenioUs, we sit down with Dr.Lori Carrell, Chancellor of the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR), whose leadership journey is as courageous as it is unconventional. From her early days teaching in a remote Alaskan village to co-leading a national initiative to redesign the college experience, Dr. Carrell shares how listening, learning, and living into one's purpose can shape transformational leadership. With her background in human communication, Carrell brings a unique lens to institutional change—one that values deep listening, co-creation, and compassion as strategic tools for impact. Under her leadership, UMR has become a national model for student-centered design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and equity in outcomes. 🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn: How Lori Carol's leadership has been shaped by adventure, curiosity, and a commitment to listening firstWhy UMR's "students-at-the-center" model yields high retention and graduation rates-especially among first- generation and underrepresented studentsWhat it means to "lead by design" and embed evidence- based practices into the institutional DNA How UMR's unique structure, including success,coaching, flipped instruction, and capstone year customization, fuel student flourishingThe origin story of the College in Three initiative – and how it's reimagining the bachelor's degreePractical wisdom for navigating resistance to change with empathy and clarity Encouragement and advice for aspiring women leaders in higher education Whether you're a president, Provost, faculty member, or future leader, this episode will renew your faith in what higher education can become when innovation is led by human values. 👉 Listen now for a story of courage, creativity, and commitment to purpose.

    53 min
  4. Unshakable and Unstoppable: Leading with Heart and Fire with Dr. Kate Smith

    MAY 20

    Unshakable and Unstoppable: Leading with Heart and Fire with Dr. Kate Smith

    In this powerful episode of IngenioUs, we sit down with Dr. Kate Smith, President of Rio Salado College—widely recognized as America’s OnlineCommunity College—for a deep and inspiring conversation about what it truly means to lead with both heart and fire. A lifelong educator who began her career in the classroom, Kate neverintended to become a college president. But as you'll hear, her journey to the presidency was fueled by a passion for removing barriers, championing equity,and creating educational opportunities for all learners—including incarcerated students, working adults, and those historically left behind by traditional higher education systems. In this wide-ranging conversation, Kate shares: The guiding principles that drive decision-making and culture-building at Rio SaladoWhat it means to stand alone—and stand tall—in moments of difficult leadershipHer perspective on the challenges women leaders face in higher ed todayThe power of emotional intelligence, mentorship, and owning your mistakesHow Rio Salado is reimagining access through innovative workforce and reentry programs Kate’s energy is contagious, her insights are groundedin lived experience, and her commitment to making higher education more inclusive and impactful is nothing short of inspiring.Whether you're a seasoned leader, an emerging changemaker, or simply someone who believes in the power of education to transform lives, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Listen now and discover what it looks like to lead with clarity, courage, and compassion—every single day.

    48 min
  5. IngenioUs Mini. Perpendicular Futures: A Footlights College with David Staley

    MAY 16 · BONUS

    IngenioUs Mini. Perpendicular Futures: A Footlights College with David Staley

    Perpendicular Futures: A Footlights College In this imaginative and thought-provoking episode, futurist and historian Dr. David Staley reads his latest blog article, “Perpendicular Futures: A Footlights College.” Known for his boundary-pushing scenarios for the future of higher education, Staley offers a bold and unexpected vision: What if colleges used performance arts—like theater and show choir—as a strategic enrollment tool, much like intercollegiate athletics? Drawing inspiration from high school show choir fervor and the storied Cambridge Footlights comedy troupe, Staley explores the idea of colleges investing heavily in performance opportunities not as academic programs, but as extracurricular recruitment strategies. This “perpendicular future” veers sharply from the typical trend lines of higher education planning and invites us to rethink what attracts students to campus in the first place. Whether you’re a campus leader, a strategist, or simply someone intrigued by the unconventional, this episode will stretch your imagination about what’s possible—and perhaps even probable—for the future of enrollment management. Perpendicular Change: What it means and why it matters for institutional planning. Theater and Show Choir as Enrollment Strategy: A new role for extracurriculars. The Passion Economy in Education: Students paying to perform—not for professional outcomes but for personal fulfillment. Footlights Reimagined: A nod to Cambridge's legendary troupe and a blueprint for creative placemaking. NIL Deals for Performers?: Imagining a future where artists, like athletes, earn incentives for their involvement. Disruption vs. Continuity: Why the future of college enrollment may not follow the path we expect. How embracing passion-driven participation could unlock new enrollment pathways. Why seemingly “fringe” extracurriculars might hold the key to student engagement and retention.A compelling case for reimagining institutional investments—from sports fields to stages. Dr. David Staley is a historian, futurist, and professor at The Ohio State University. He is widely known for his visionary writings and talks that challenge higher education to think differently about its future. In addition to his university teaching and consulting work, Dr. Staley regularly publishes articles on university design and innovation.

    6 min

  6. MAY 6 · BONUS

    IngenioUs Mini: Seven Practices That Drive Transformative Innovation

    In this special mini-episode, Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson takes listeners inside Chapter 6 of her book, IngenioUs Leadership: Creating Solutions to Wicked Problems in Higher Education. Through short, powerful audio clips from interviews with some of higher education’s most visionary leaders, Melissa illustrates seven leadership practices that unleash true innovation in today's dynamic and demanding environment. These leaders are not only creative—they are disciplined, strategic, and deeply values-driven in how they innovate. Tune in for inspiring stories, practical insights, and bold reminders that innovation is a practice, a mindset, and a way of leading with purpose. 🛠️ Featured Themes & Voices:💬 🔹 Rethinking the Rules: Innovation as Reinvention Richard Miller, Founding President, Olin College of Engineering How radically reimagining assumptions can lead to transformational change. 🔹 Leveraging Assets: Turning What You Have into What You Need Michael Sorrell, President, Paul Quinn College Seeing overlooked resources as springboards for innovation. 🔹 Relentlessly Futuristic: Seeing Around Corners Elizabeth Meade, President Emerita, Cedar Crest College Designing strategic plans that anticipate the future rather than react to it. 🔹 Cutting Through Clutter to Find Your Focus Annette Parker, President, South Central College Leading with clarity and aligning decisions with mission and impact. 🔹 Being Inspiration-Ready: Staying Open to Spark Nicholas Covino, President, William James College Listening for opportunities and taking courageous action when inspiration strikes. 🔹 Reinvention as a Steady State Barbara Mistick, President, NAICU Building a culture where change is not episodic but continuous and proactive. 🔹 Innovation Rooted in Values Tracy Hartzler, President, Central New Mexico Community College Leading with ethics, connection, and care—and why mission-centered innovation endures. Reflection Questions:📚 Where might you be clinging to outdated rules? What hidden assets could you leverage for innovation? How can you lead more intentionally with vision and values today? Learn More:🎧 Listen, Reflect, and Lead Boldly. Dive deeper by reading the latest IngenioUs Leadership blog post Get your copy of IngenioUs Leadership: Creating Solutions to Wicked Problems in Higher Education Stay bold. Stay curious. Stay IngenioUs.

    18 min
  7. Leading with Fearless Grace: A Woman President’s Playbook for Resilient Innovation

    APR 22

    Leading with Fearless Grace: A Woman President’s Playbook for Resilient Innovation

    In this inspiring episode of IngenioUs, host Melissa Morriss-Olson sits down with Dr. Elizabeth MacLeod Walls, the 14th—and only the second woman—president of Washington & Jefferson College. With over twodecades of leadership experience and a powerful personal story shaped by trailblazing women mentors, Dr. MacLeod Walls offers a compelling vision for the future of liberal arts education.  From her early aspirations as a faculty member to her discovery of a natural strength for administration, Elizabeth shares how resilience, optimism, and a sense of urgency have shaped her leadership. She opens up about navigating gendered expectations, making the case for liberalarts in a skeptical world, and cultivating adaptability as both an institutional ethos and a graduate superpower.  We also get a glimpse of the personal side of herpresidency—including how her beloved dog, Buckeye, helps humanize her role and deepen connections with students on campus. Whether you’re a current or aspiring leader, an educator, orsomeone who cares about the future of higher education, this conversation willleave you with both inspiration and actionable insights. 🎙️ In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How Dr. MacLeod Walls defines and leads with adaptability Why innovation must be central to the liberal arts The leadership lessons she’s drawn from mentors—and from mistakes How gender dynamics shape presidential leadership in higher ed The critical skills every future leader should develop Why partnerships, community engagement, and nimbleness matter more than ever And yes… how a dog named Buckeye is helping build stronger campus relationships 💬 Quotable Moment:“When what you’re doing matters, nothing should scare you. Nothing should bean impediment.” – Dr. Elizabeth MacLeod Walls 🎧 Listen Now and discover how boldleadership, a clear sense of mission, and a joyful spirit are helping shape the future of Washington & Jefferson College—and the liberal arts more broadly.

    49 min
  8. Blazing Trails and Building Futures: Stephanie Herseth Sandlin’s Legacy of Empowerment

    APR 15

    Blazing Trails and Building Futures: Stephanie Herseth Sandlin’s Legacy of Empowerment

    What does it take to lead across sectors, clear hurdles, andcultivate possibility — not just for yourself, but for others? In this episode of IngenioUs, we sit down with Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, the first woman to serve as president of Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, andthe first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from her state. President Herseth Sandlin shares her remarkable leadershipjourney, from growing up on a family farm in the Great Plains, to representing South Dakota on Capitol Hill, to now shaping the future of a thriving university. With honesty and wisdom, she reflects on the challenges and opportunities of being a trailblazer — and what it means to turn personalsuccess into collective empowerment. Through stories of transformative change at Augustana,including bold moves like academic restructuring and launching Division I hockey, President Herseth Sandlin reveals the power of leading with courage, compassion, and curiosity. She also offers candid insights on navigating gender dynamics, generational differences, and the evolving landscape of higher education. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to lead withauthenticity, build momentum from setbacks, and create lasting impact, this conversation is not to be missed. 🎧 Listen in to discover how StephanieHerseth Sandlin is helping others see and cultivate their own potential — and how you can too. Takeaways Augustana University integrates faith with learning. Leadership is influenced by personal experiences and family. Women leaders must navigate unique challenges in their careers. Building relationships is crucial for effective leadership. Good processes lead to successful outcomes in organizations. Diversity and inclusion are essential for student success. Vulnerability in leadership fosters connection and trust. Emerging leaders should focus on understanding their context. Innovative programs can address community needs and gaps. Future growth at Augustana will focus on serving more students. Sound Bites "We provide an education of enduring worth." "Good process leads to good plans." "I lean into courage, creativity, and humility." Chapters 00:00Introduction to Augustana University 02:12Leadership Journey and Influences 04:09Trailblazing in Leadership 06:43Navigating Gender Dynamics in Leadership 07:11New Chapter 09:08Advice for Emerging Leaders 11:15Achievements and Strategic Initiatives at AugustanaUniversity 26:34Maturing the Division I Hockey Program 27:27Vision for Augustana by 2030 27:59Growth and Campus Development 29:47Innovative Programs and Opportunities 30:35Identifying Growth Opportunities 32:52Navigating Innovation in Education 35:35Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives 39:31Leadership Challenges and Lessons Learned 43:35Core Values in Leadership 45:42Inspiring Future Women Leaders 48:27gaming-transition-high.wav 48:34IngenioUs Outro.mp4

    52 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Melissa Morriss-Olson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    211
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Melissa Morriss-Olson
  • Show Website
    IngenioUs

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