What a 45 Minute AI Conversation Revealed About 19 Years of Leadership - with Dr. Randall VanWagoner, President, Mohawk Valley Community College
It's YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode, President Series #424, powered by Ellucian, & sponsored by the 2026 InsightsEDU Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, February 17-19,
YOUR guest is Dr. Randall VanWagoner, President, Mohawk Valley Community College
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio
- How does a 19 year community college president use ChatGPT for a 45 minute leadership reflection road trip & discover he's actually leading his "3rd presidency" at the same institution?
- What happens when a community college braces 17 different funding streams to offer Free Fast Track training to 100 students monthly & achieves a 65% completion rate with 60% adults 25+ & 60% people of color?
- How does a college serving the 2nd poorest student population in New York's SUNY system increase graduation rates by 50% through Guided Pathways while maintaining a culture where 80% of employees look forward to work EVERY day (not just Tuesdays)?
Extended Conversation for EdUp Premium Members:
- Why does a 19 year president say his greatest accomplishment isn't birthing 5 presidents from his VP ranks but staying married for 30 years & what does that reveal about presidential staying power?
- How did AI reflection reveal Randy was "chasing headlines" with big partnerships instead of strengthening the core & why does he now prioritize sustainable change over media releases?
- What are the 4 things ALL generations want at work (according to millions of Gallup surveys) & how does building these conditions create a culture where 90% of employees trust their colleagues & 98% connect to the mission?
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