In a recent University Business column, an intriguing list highlighted the 100 best university presidents of the last decade. Surprisingly, none came from elite, resource-rich institutions. This revelation underscores a profound truth: leaders in under-resourced, less prestigious environments often develop—by necessity–a unique skill set that higher education urgently needs in today’s rapidly changing and increasingly challenging landscape.
Throughout my career and research, including the 100-plus conversations that form the backbone of my newly published book IngenioUs Leadership: Creating Solutions to Wicked Problems in Higher Education, I’ve seen how these leaders embody a distinct approach to leadership and innovation. While the leaders I interviewed come from diverse institutional contexts, they all demonstrate a remarkable ability to reimagine possibilities, overcome barriers, and craft innovative solutions—often with limited resources. Their approach isn’t defined by what they lack but by how they leverage what they have to drive meaningful change.
This blog explores what it takes to drive meaningful change when resources are limited and challenges are complex. Drawing from the stories and insights in IngenioUs Leadership, it highlights the power of reimagining possibilities, leveraging what’s at hand, and maintaining clarity and vision in the face of uncertainty. These lessons go beyond resource-constrained institutions—they offer valuable insights for anyone striving to innovate and adapt in today’s rapidly evolving higher education landscape.
Starting with What You Have
Michael Sorrell’s leadership exemplifies the art of creatively leveraging available assets to achieve transformative outcomes. When his institution’s costly and underperforming football program was canceled, Sorrell reimagined the empty field as a thriving community garden. This initiative, sparked by a chance meeting with a real estate developer, addressed local food insecurity and elevated the institution’s profile. Sorrell’s ability to adapt and make the most of existing resources exemplifies the Bird-in-Hand principle, showing that innovation often stems from recognizing the untapped potential in what’s already at hand.
Staying Open to Inspiration
Nicholas Covino’s journey at William James College highlights the power of being receptive to inspiration from unexpected sources. Amid a period of significant institutional change, Covino received an unusual piece of mail addressed to “Mr. William James,” sparking the idea to rename the college after the father of American psychology. Covino transformed the college’s identity by pursuing this serendipitous moment, gaining public recognition and regulatory approval. This bold decision elevated the college’s reputation and energized its internal culture, illustrating how openness to inspiration can unlock extraordinary opportunities.
Embracing Curiosity
Jeffrey Docking, president of Adrian College, demonstrates the transformative power of curiosity and seizing unexpected opportunities. A casual conversation during a cross-country flight revealed Google’s workforce challenges in fields like data science and artificial intelligence. Inspired, Docking proposed a partnership to address this gap, creating Rize Education—a platform now helping over 125 institutions develop shared majors. Docking’s ability to transform a spontaneous moment into a game-changing collaboration underscores the importance of curiosity in driving innovation and growth.
Taking Control with Vision
Carol Leary’s tenure at Bay Path College underscores the power of proactive leadership and bold vision. With small enrollment, outdated infrastructure, and limited resources, Leary focused not on deficits but on the institution’s potential. By engaging deeply with the campus community and maintaining a forward-looking strategy, she transformed Bay Path into a thriving innovation hub, achieving substantial enrollment growth and financial stability. Leary’s story reminds us that with vision and determination, even daunting challenges can be reframed as opportunities for growth.
Thinking Ahead Relentlessly
Gary Brahm’s leadership at Brandman University highlights the critical importance of being relentlessly futuristic. Recognizing the unique needs of non-traditional students, Brahm spearheaded the creation of Brandman to extend Chapman University’s commitment to student success. Even after Brandman’s success, Brahm foresaw the growing role of technology and economies of scale, driving the institution’s evolution into UMass Global. This strategic move aligned Brandman with a nationally recognized brand, ensuring its sustainability in a competitive landscape. Brahm’s foresight underscores the value of preparing for future trends to meet emerging challenges.
Cutting Through the Clutter
Georgia Nugent’s career exemplifies the ability to cut through the clutter and focus on what truly matters. Whether revitalizing the Kenyon Review during her presidency at Kenyon College, strengthening faculty-staff relationships at the College of Wooster, or making bold pandemic-era decisions at Illinois Wesleyan University, Nugent consistently prioritized mission-critical actions. Her talent for finding clarity amidst complexity and focusing on institutional values underscores the importance of discernment for effective leadership. As Nugent notes, “Your sense of proportion—knowing what is important, what is not—is very, very important.”
Embracing a Beginner’s Mind
Patricia McGuire, president of Trinity Washington University, exemplifies the transformative power of adopting a “Beginner’s Mind”—an approach rooted in openness and shedding preconceptions. When McGuire arrived at Trinity, she discovered the university had stopped recruiting students from its local community, reflecting deeply ingrained biases. Determined to realign the institution’s mission, McGuire challenged these assumptions head-on. She reimagined Trinity’s role and revitalized its purpose by focusing on providing access to women historically excluded from higher education. Today, Trinity Washington University is a model of inclusivity and resilience, proving that adopting a mindset of curiosity and openness can drive institutional transformation and enduring relevance.
Seven Strategies for Innovating Through Adversity
These stories of leadership reveal that success often stems not from ideal conditions but from the ability to reframe constraints as opportunities. Whether by leveraging existing resources, staying open to inspiration, or maintaining relentless focus, these leaders exemplify the ingenuity and determination that higher education needs today. Their lessons are a call to action for all leaders navigating complexity, reminding us that meaningful innovation is always possible—even against the odds.
Seven Strategies for Innovating Through Adversity
- Turn Limitations Into Launchpads
Don’t just accept limitations—reframe them as opportunities. Like Michael Sorrell turning a football field into a community garden, use your constraints as springboards for creativity and meaningful change.
- Find Genius in the Unexpected
Look for inspiration in surprising places. Nicholas Covino’s willingness to follow the trail of a serendipitous piece of mail led to a reimagined institutional identity and lasting impact, proving that breakthrough ideas often emerge from the unlikeliest moments.
- Curiosity as a Creative Engine
Use curiosity as a tool to uncover new paths forward. Jeffrey Docking’s chance conversation with a Google employee sparked a transformative partnership, showing how curiosity can reveal hidden opportunities and create lasting innovation.
- Lead With an Expansive Vision
Stay focused on your institution’s potential, not its limitations. Carol Leary’s ability to reimagine Bay Path College as a hub for innovation demonstrates the power of bold, optimistic leadership grounded in strategic engagement with your community.
- Think in Decades, Act in Days
Pair long-term foresight with decisive, short-term action. Gary Brahm’s strategic evolution of Brandman University into UMass Global underscores how balancing future-focused planning with immediate, impactful steps ensures relevance in a rapidly shifting landscape.
- Focus on the Essential
Cut through the noise and home in on what truly matters. Georgia Nugent’s ability to prioritize mission-critical needs during complex situations underscores the power of clear decision-making and alignment with institutional values.
- Cultivate a Beginner’s Mind
Challenge entrenched assumptions and approach challenges with openness and curiosity. Patricia McGuire’s work to realign Trinity Washington University’s mission reflects how seeing with fresh eyes can unlock profound institutional transformation and resilience.
These seven strategies remind us that innovation isn’t about having every resource at your fingertips—it’s about reimagining what’s possible, even in the face of constraints. By embracing creativity, boldness, and a willingness to see challenges differently, today’s leaders can reshape higher education to meet the demands of an ever-changing world.
For more stories and actionable insights from leaders who are transforming higher education, explore IngenioUs Leadership: Creating Solutions to Wicked Problems in Higher Education. It’s a guide for anyone seeking inspiration and strategies to innovate and lead with purpose—even against the odds.
Melissa Morriss-Olson, Ph.D., is a distinguished leader in higher education, with over 35 years of experience shaping innovation and fostering institutional excellence. Dr. Morriss-Olson is a Distinguished Professor of Higher Education Leadership at Bay Path University, where she founded the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership and the Center for Higher Education Leadership and Innovative Practice. Her impact at Bay Path is profound—she launched over 40 innovative academic programs during her tenure as Provost. She secured over $6 million in grant funding to support institutional growth and transformation.
Dr. Morriss-Olson is the author of several influential works, including her latest book, Ingenious Leadership: Creating Solutions to Wicked Problems in Higher Education. Her thought leadership has helped shape the future of higher education, and she continues to inspire others with her innovative approaches to tackling the most pressing challenges in the field. She is also the visionary behind the IngenioUs podcast, where she interviews leaders across sectors to explore bold ideas and new models for navigating the complexities of higher education today.
She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Loyola University Chicago and has completed executive leadership programs at Harvard University.