Common App’s Post

With a little inspiration from Stephen Stills, I wrote a piece for the Bowdoin Magazine, reflecting on my time at the college and the importance of valuing the arts. If you're interested, a link to the article is included below. Bowdoin College #bowdoincollege #bowdoinalumni https://lnkd.in/d-uJP7aw

"The best president and board relationships are built on clear definitions of roles, accountability, and most importantly, trust. It’s a tricky relationship, because the president is in their job because of the board." Our very own Dr. Sondra Barringer adds her expertise to the latest The Chronicle of Higher Education feature on Kevin Guskiewicz and his role as President at Michigan State. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gQ9vC6r2

Want to learn all about Collegiate and our Head of School? Watch this Executive Insight with Dr. Rob Macrae!

New teachers, Fitz here with a truth bomb: let's talk biases. We all got 'em, but the key is acknowledging and examining them. It's like polishing your teaching lens for a clearer view. Challenge those biases, foster inclusivity, and create a classroom where everyone feels seen and valued. 💡🌍 #BiasCheck #InclusiveTeaching Want to Book Fitz for your next event, go to https://lnkd.in/egDwaWs6!

In the spirit of our school's commitment to empowering students for success, I'd like to commend our Executive Director, Dr. Stauffer, for his article highlighting the importance of partnerships in preparing our high school students for the future. The article captures the collaborative efforts between various educational partners, including local businesses, educators, counselors, administrators, and industry representatives, to ensure that no student is left behind in their pursuit of valuable skills and opportunities. Dr. Stauffer emphasizes the important role of Career and Technology Centers in providing high-quality education that equips students with practical, hands-on learning experiences. By partnering with local businesses and industry, our centers bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, preparing students for success in college, postsecondary training, the military, or the workforce. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on the alignment of curriculum with industry standards, the provision of industry-standard tools and equipment, and the opportunity for students to earn nationally recognized certifications. These initiatives not only enhance students' understanding of their chosen fields but also cultivate a skilled workforce that contributes to the prosperity of Berks County. The article highlights the importance of early engagement and informed decision-making for students, facilitated through career presentations, campus tours, and open house events. By fostering positive relationships and collaboration with local partners, our school ensures that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of tomorrow's workforce. Dr. Stauffer's article supports the commitment of our school and community to empowering the next generation of skilled workers and leaders. I encourage anyone interested in learning more about these opportunities to reach out to the Berks Career and Technology Center or the Reading/Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center. Together, we are shaping a bright future for our students and our community.

As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the transformative impact so many mentors have had on shaping who I am today. As such, I was truly elated to share my enthusiasm about the USC Mentorship Hub!!! American columnist, John Crosby, said “Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” You can become engaged as a mentor, mentee, or both by visiting mentorshiphub.sc.edu!

Hopefully this tradition will continue for Owen graduates as they begin their next chapter. Building great teams requires empathy for your teammates. Getting to know and understand each other builds trust. Trust allows for team members to admit vulnerabilities and great teams are formed when we step in to protect our teammates. I worry that much of this has been lost in a work-from-home environment that could lead to viewing teammates as a means to an end where trust is never fully established.

What can TV shows and movies teach us about conflict in family businesses? A lot! Marco Mismetti visited my D'Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University family business class yesterday ("Examining Family Business Dynamics Through Film") to help us analyze families in shows like The Godfather, Bob's Burgers and CAKE BOSS SA and to teach the class about effective conflict management. Thank you Marco for a great day! I look forward to working together on our conflict in family businesses research! #entrepreneurshipeducation #familybusiness

PSA for Parents: I invite students in 6th, 7th & 8th grade to participate in the upcoming National Civics Bee. Students write a short essay. The top essays get invited to a regional competition where students can win $$$ hosted by the Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC) Top 3-winners then compete at State level and ultimately National level. Details and entries here: https://lnkd.in/e3ag-Teb Deadline to submit is February 19th. The participant can be home schooled, does not have to be enrolled in traditional public/private school system and can be from anywhere in #CT. Here's why this is important: 53% of Americans can't name all three branches of government 79% of 8th graders score below proficient in civics 52% of young people think democracy has failed or is in trouble PASS IT ON!

Walter M. Kimbrough's unapologetic critique of the U.S. News "Best College" rankings hits home. His two decades of advocating against a system that often prioritizes wealth and privilege over genuine educational impact warrant our undivided attention. I agree that we must challenge the relevance of these rankings while recognizing their limitations. Yes, like many, I too habitually check the rankings each year to see who's at the top (Go, Princeton University!) or how Spelman College fares among liberal arts colleges (#39 this year, but destined for the top 10, I'm convinced! 😊). However, my interest seldom revolves around an institution's ability to truly transform outcomes for marginalized communities. And that's disheartening. It's time we collectively reassess the metrics by which we judge educational institutions. How can we create a more comprehensive, inclusive, and equitable framework that authentically captures the essence of learning and personal growth? How do we measure a college's success in fostering critical thinking, nurturing creativity, and preparing students for the complexities of the real world? How can we shine a light on and reward institutions that engage and empower students who need higher education the most? In a rapidly evolving higher education landscape, we urgently need innovative ways to evaluate colleges that honor their distinct missions, values, and the diverse students they serve. This challenge is one we must embrace to ensure that every student's educational journey is valued and celebrated, irrespective of their background or the institution they choose. I'm reminded of Washington Monthly's reputation as an alternative to U.S. News, but truth be told, their rankings are strikingly similar. So, here's the question: Can we create a more just ranking system, or is the solution to bid farewell to rankings altogether? #HigherEd #CollegeRankings #EquityInEducation #WishfulThinking