The Lawlor Group, Inc

Happy April! The Lawlor Group, Inc evolved into Lawlor Advisory, LLC nearly six years ago. This month, The Lawlor Group, Inc LinkedIn site will shut down. If you are a follower, please follow Lawlor Advisory. Thanks and best wishes to everyone!

This past Father’s Day weekend was a memorable moment in time on multiple fronts. It definitely facilitated a reflection on many of the highs and lows that have been encountered throughout one’s life, and as usual it prompted our thoughts about many of the uncertain questions facing higher education during these trying times. Of course, the special moment in time was when Korn Ferry CEO Gary Burnison sent out his newsletter on Father’s Day reminding us about what is important: “As leaders, it’s not only our role but also our responsibility to inspire connection and conviction. So, how do we support those around us? After all, purpose and people are inextricably intertwined. The answer can be found in how we live and lead. Leadership is not only personal, but truly S-P-E-C-I-A-L.” He then proceeded to share seven key words that helped spell out the meaning of the word S-P-E-C-I-A-L. No question, we are in the people business. Whether dealing with colleagues and students on campus or interacting with prospective students and their parents, high school counselors/coaches/advisors, alumni, friends, or local residents and community members, it is imperative that we demonstrate personal interaction that facilitates a special moment in time for each of these individuals. The impact is significant and fosters a genuine degree of confidence that a certain college or university is where people want to keep working, serving, helping, referencing, and supporting. No question, Burnison's insights definitely provided all of us with a special moment in time. Enjoy your summer! #highered #higheredleadership #collegesanduniversities #personalattention https://lnkd.in/gX9mZrCa

No question, these are fascinating times for most colleges and universities. And while the month of March often brings a mood of uncertainty and madness during a normal March season, this year things are even more exacerbated by the FAFSA delay and the impact it is having not only on prospective students and families along with current students and families, but also on the personnel in financial aid and admission offices. Adding the continuous concern and consternation that is lingering in the minds of higher education leaders who already know about the decline in the number of prospective students, questions about affordability, and the need to convey the inherent value of attending college, it means March is full of unsolicited mental and emotional madness. As we have noted previously about the changing landscape facing private higher education (and public, too), these are definitely changing times. Movement is a necessity today for all colleges and universities. Continuous change and improvement while also consistently retaining your core identity should foster future success and diffuse the March madness that is permeating so much of higher education today. Best wishes to spring forward in more ways than one! #highereducationleadership #highered #collegesanduniversities #enrollmentmanagement #admissions #financialaid #FAFSA https://lnkd.in/g-6ZtH98

As we noted last month, no question these are trying times that so often diminish positive thinking for so many. The lingering uncertainty about the future of higher ed that is often skewed by a variety of political perspectives, the continuing delay of the “new” FAFSA, the decline in the number of high school graduates, and numerous fiscal challenges all impact people’s desire to stay positive about the future of higher education and its inherent value. But now is the time to engage in self-reflection, put things in perspective, and stay positive about today and the future. Ironically, AGB’s new executive vice president Mary Papazian wrote her article called “Rethinking Our Needs for a New Era” in AGB’s Trusteeship magazine and shared this observation: "Yet challenging times also can—indeed must—become moments for innovation and a renewed commitment to mission, particularly around student success, even if some of our practices might require fundamental redesign.” As we have always noted, it does take a village to come together to accomplish success. People support what they help create, and if each institution commits to involving students, faculty, staff, cabinet, board members, alumni, partners, and friends, then viable solutions that are innovative and relevant today will further enhance the authentic value of a college degree. So as we approach the holiday season, stay positive, embrace innovation, and best wishes for an edupreneurial 2024 that will solidify your institution’s legacy. #highereducationleadership #highered #collegesanduniversities #AGB https://lnkd.in/gjUj5up8

No question, these are trying times that so often diminish positive thinking for so many, but now is the time to engage in self-reflection, put things in perspective, and stay positive about today and the future. Uncertainty and consternation are increasingly prevalent, but now is the time to stay positive and wish for better things to happen on multiple fronts. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family, friends, and colleagues. #highered #higheredleadership #collegesanduniversities #thanksgiving2023 https://lnkd.in/dxGWCn8m