June 23, 2025
Why Education—Not Just Degrees—Should Be Higher Ed's North Star - with Dr. Donna Hodge, President, Fitchburg State University
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
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In this episode, President Series #375, (Powered By Ellucian ), & brought to YOU by HigherEd PodCon
YOUR guest is Dr. Donna Hodge, President, Fitchburg State University
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
- How is Fitchburg State University serving its regional mission in a crowded higher ed marketplace?
- What unique programs are distinguishing Fitchburg State from other institutions?
- How has the definition of "traditional" & "non-traditional" students blurred in today's educational landscape?
- Why is focusing on education rather than just degrees critical for institutional success?
- How can higher ed institutions design for the future instead of managing decline?
Topics include:
- Celebrating 130 years while reimagining programs like engineering tech & game design
- Creating innovative collaborative programs in creative arts therapies
- Leveraging agility as a state public institution to respond to opportunities
- Embracing the modern learner's expectations for both digital & human connections
- Supporting first-generation & minoritized student populations in North Central Massachusetts
- Addressing food & housing insecurity while delivering quality education
- Eliminating barriers to enrollment & educational access
For #EdUp subscribers only via the extended conversation:
- Navigating the experience of being the first female president in 130 years
- Building a "coalition of the willing" leadership approach
- Challenging socially constructed expectations in higher education
- Shifting focus from degree completion to educational experience
- Rethinking the credit hour & degree structure for the future of higher ed
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