by Ryan Dougherty | Mar 11, 2026 | Strategy
Blog Brief: AI is a valuable tool, but higher education is spending far too much time on it and not nearly enough on institutional alignment. Eight out of ten organizations lack truly aligned behaviors; this kills progress, morale, and mission. There are three...
by Ryan Dougherty | Sep 19, 2025 | Enrollment, Strategy
Missing an enrollment goal can feel personal, and the pressure is real. But shortfalls can become inflection points that clarify what matters and catalyze change. Before diving into what can be done, determine if the goal was realistic and whether it was based on...
by Ryan Dougherty | Mar 18, 2025 | Enrollment, Marketing & Branding, Strategy
Azusa Pacific University’s decision to reinstate football at the NCAA Division III level isn’t just about bringing back a beloved sport — it’s a bold strategic move that could reshape the future of athletics in Christian higher education. By prioritizing academics,...
by Ryan Dougherty | Feb 26, 2025 | Strategy
Sadly, strategic plans often fail. You’ve probably seen it happen when leadership teams spend countless hours crafting detailed strategies, only to watch them fizzle out during execution. Why does this keep happening? The answer might surprise you in its...
by Ryan Dougherty | Oct 8, 2024 | Enrollment, Financial Aid, Marketing & Branding
After more than 20 years in college enrollment, including several as a Vice President, I thought helping my firstborn child choose a college would be second nature. Turns out, I was wrong. Parenting constantly reshapes your expectations and forces you to make...
