Provost James Koelbl writes blog on motivating change in higher education

James Koelbl, D.D.S., M.S., M.J., University of New England provost and senior vice-president, was featured as a guest blogger for Next Generation Learning Challenges. In the blog post titled, “The Brink of Closure: What Motivates Higher Education to Change?” Koelbl explored the need for change in higher education and the appropriate way to encourage faculty to adapt.

The blog post detailed an experience earlier in Koelbl’s career when he worked for a college that failed to make necessary changes to avoid closure. He stated that applicant pools and state support had shrunk and student debt was on the rise. He recalled the president of the college addressing faculty to call for change and being met with resistance. It was a lesson he carried with him throughout his career in higher education. “I learned the importance of sound fiscal management, how to make your college an integral component of a university and a good partner to other colleges and programs within the university, and the importance of continuing to invest in infrastructure and human capital,” wrote Koelbl. 

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