Ever wondered how transformational leadership can steer a university through tumultuous times? Mae and I tackle the contentious financial health issues, the over-reliance on athletic programs, and the potential premature closure of the athletic department. We explore the broader implications of administrative decisions and leadership changes on stakeholders. This is a conversation you won't want to miss if you're intrigued by leadership dynamics within complex educational institutions.

Mae Keller, former Director of Institutional Effectiveness at Concordia University Ann Arbor, joins us to share her incredible journey from healthcare to higher education. Mae offers a behind-the-scenes look at her role during the critical merger between CUAA and its Mequon campus. Gain deep insights into how transparency and humility were key in navigating leadership challenges, especially after a difficult town hall announcement. 

In our next segment, we discuss the nuts and bolts of institutional effectiveness and the remarkable growth in healthcare programs at Ann Arbor. Mae walks us through the early years of the merger, revealing both the excitement and hurdles of operational integration. Learn about the significance of institutional research and the importance of widely accessible data. We also examine Ann Arbor's impressive enrollment growth despite the competitive higher education landscape in Michigan, emphasizing the substantial benefits that the merger brought to both campuses.

The final part of our episode delves into the financial intricacies and controversies facing Concordia University Ann Arbor. Whether it's the complex process of exploring autonomy for Ann Arbor or the significant drop in undergraduate enrollment, this episode highlights the urgent need for trust, transparency, and effective management to uphold the mission of Lutheran education. Join us for an eye-opening discussion that uncovers the reality behind sustaining an educational institution through challenging times.

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