Higher Education at Scale by David J. Staley

This autumn, my institution, The Ohio State University, welcomed the largest number of students ever to its Columbus campus: over 61,000 students.  For at least the last century, and certainly since the 1950s, Ohio State has been one of the largest campuses in the country. But today, even the size of Ohio State pales before … Continue reading Higher Education at Scale by David J. Staley

Cultivating Creativity when Times are Tough—Part II

In my last post, I introduced some ideas for cultivating the synergy that fosters creative thinking and new ideas.  Particularly in academic organizations, we sometimes block our potential for creative thinking by not challenging those ‘unwritten rules’ or ‘sacred traditions’ that keep us tethered to outmoded beliefs and ways of doing things that no longer … Continue reading Cultivating Creativity when Times are Tough—Part II

Cultivating Creativity when Times are Tough—Part I

In last week’s post, I talked about the importance of nurturing an ‘innovative mindset’, especially when times are tough and the pressures to hunker down are overwhelming. And yet, from my own personal experience, I know that this is anything but easy.  On the average college campus, there are any number of barriers at play … Continue reading Cultivating Creativity when Times are Tough—Part I

5 Destructive Myths about Innovation

Creative thinking skills are more important than ever if we are to deal with the vast and complex array of challenges facing nearly all colleges and universities.  In my own research on successful college management practices, one of the most enduring characteristics of resilient institutions is an ‘innovative mindset.’  Especially when times are tough—like right … Continue reading 5 Destructive Myths about Innovation