Keys to Launching New College Programs that Build Enrollment

Changing Higher Ed

Creating new colleges, new college programs, and growing enrollment is not an easy task in our current academic environment. Building enrollment for a brand-new academic program is one of higher education's toughest challenges. Yet, the University of Oklahoma's Polytechnic Institute (UOPI) successfully recruited its first class by flipping the traditional mindset. Instead of expecting students to be "college ready," they designed their programs to be "student ready."

In this episode of Changing Higher Ed®, Dr. Teri Reed, inaugural director of the University of Oklahoma Polytechnic Institute at OU Tulsa and veteran creator of innovative engineering education programs, shares insights on launching new academic programs and colleges, revealing how strategic partnerships with Google and local community colleges helped launch new degrees that attract students to high-demand fields like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Podcast Overview Industry-Driven Program Design

• Extensive consultation with industry partners identified skills gaps, particularly in applied technical fields.
• Curriculum development focused on producing "industry ready" graduates.
• Programs include cybersecurity, applied artificial intelligence, and software development integration.
• Industry certifications embedded within courses to enhance graduate employability.

Strategic Faculty Recruitment and Structure

• Innovative group interview process to ensure a collaborative mindset.
• Faculty hired across disciplines to prevent silos.
• Over 200 years of combined industry experience among 10 faculty members.
• Integration of industry professionals as university affiliates (including a current Google employee).

Continuous Improvement: Curriculum Agility and Innovation

• Annual curriculum reviews and updates based on industry feedback.
• Willingness to modify programs multiple times per year to stay current.
• Two faculty "owners" per course to encourage collaboration and innovation.
• Focus on cross-disciplinary integration rather than traditional departmental structures.

Strategic Partnerships

• Close collaboration with local community colleges for seamless transfers.
• The "Intentional swirling" approach allows students to progress while completing associate degrees.
• Industry partnerships inform curriculum and provide real-world expertise.
• Marketing and communication strategies to build program awareness.

Creating Programs Focused on Student Success

• "Student ready" philosophy rather than the traditional "college ready" approach.
• Emphasis on meeting students where they are academically.
• Focus on reducing time-to-degree completion.
• Integration of industry certifications within coursework.

Three Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards

1. Listen broadly, especially to stakeholders who don't typically feel heard.
2. Be bold in creating unique programs that differ from traditional approaches.
3. Embrace opportunities in the high-tech world and move quickly to implement changes.

Bonus Takeaway from Dr. McNaughton

• Hire faculty and staff who embrace change and are willing to continuously update curriculum based on industry needs.

Wrapping Up

This case study of the OU Polytechnic Institute provides valuable insights for higher education leaders looking to develop new programs that build enrollment and meet industry needs while maintaining academic rigor and ensuring student success.

#HigherEducation #HigherEdEnrollment #HigherEducationPodcast

Read the show transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/launching-new-college-programs-that-build-enrollment/

About Our Podcast Guest

Teri K. Reed, Ph.D., is the inaugural director of the OU Polytechnic Institute at OU-Tulsa. An OU alumna, internationally recognized leader in the field of engineering education, and advocate for research-informed approaches to engineering education and administration, Reed has made significant contributions to higher education nationally. She helped establish the scholarly foundation for engineering education as an academic discipline through co-authorship of several landmark 2006 Journal of Engineering Education’s special reports. She serves as an executive board member and fellow of the American Society for Engineering Education, and she is a former president of the Women in Engineering ProActive Network. She is the recipient of many accolades that recognize her teaching and leadership abilities, including two awards from the University of Oklahoma: the Distinguished Service Award from the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy, and selection as one of the inaugural recipients of the OU Regents’ Alumni Award.

Connect with Teri Reed on LinkedIn →

About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.

Connect with Drumm McNaughton on LinkedIn→