The Future of Higher Education Leadership

In a rapidly evolving higher education landscape, leaders must be adaptable, innovative, and attuned to the unique needs of their student populations. Dr. Maria Cronley, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost at Austin Peay State University, offers a compelling vision of what the future of higher education leadership might look like, particularly in a state like Tennessee where diversity, accessibility, and flexibility are paramount.

Here are key insights from her discussion on Signature Required with Spencer Patton that highlight the priorities for the next generation of higher education leaders.

Understanding Diverse Student Needs is a Leadership Imperative

Dr. Cronley emphasizes the critical importance of flexibility in both program offerings and institutional policies, especially at a regional institution like Austin Peay. With 28% of Austin Peay’s students being military-affiliated and 60% falling under the first-generation or Pell-eligible category, leaders must design educational experiences that cater to the wide range of student needs.

For military students, Austin Peay has implemented flexible course structures, including eight-week "sprints" and hybrid programs, to accommodate deployments and other unique military commitments. This flexibility, Cronley notes, is not just a logistical necessity but a model for future higher education leadership. Leaders must recognize that students' lives are complex, and institutions that offer adaptability will be better positioned to serve a diverse student body.

"We really pride ourselves on being flexible. We've even customized courses for a brigade that was deploying to ensure they could continue their education while serving," said Cronley.

Cultivating a Culture of Lifelong Learning

In an era where job markets are constantly shifting, Austin Peay’s approach to "stackable credentials" serves as an important blueprint for higher education. Students can start with an associate’s degree and work their way toward a bachelor's, master's, and even a doctorate. This approach not only meets the needs of today’s workforce but also empowers students to become lifelong learners—a crucial component of leadership in education.

As leaders look to the future, offering flexible, incremental educational paths will be essential in preparing students for evolving career landscapes. This model allows students to re-enter academia at various stages of life, equipping them with updated skills and credentials for new opportunities.

Focusing on the ROI of Higher Education

One of the most pressing issues in higher education today is the public perception of its return on investment (ROI). Dr. Cronley challenges the growing skepticism around the value of a college degree, offering data-driven evidence to demonstrate its long-term benefits.

Despite rising costs, a college degree offers substantial economic and societal value. Graduates earn significantly more over their lifetimes than non-graduates and experience lower rates of anxiety, depression, and chronic health conditions. Leadership in higher education must focus on communicating these benefits effectively, ensuring students and their families understand the value proposition of pursuing higher education.

“I'm so tired of hearing the public rhetoric that higher education isn’t valuable anymore,” Cronley remarked. “Research shows that over a lifetime, a person with a bachelor's degree will earn $1.4 million more than someone with a high school education."

Tennessee’s Enrollment Cliff

Cronley also discussed the challenges Tennessee and other states will face starting in 2025 with the so-called "enrollment cliff," a demographic decline in college-age students stemming from lower birth rates during the 2008 financial crisis. Austin Peay, like many institutions, is preparing for this decline by focusing on staying nimble and true to its mission of accessibility.

Cronley’s leadership philosophy revolves around making higher education more accessible, particularly for underrepresented populations. Whether through partnerships with Tennessee’s TCAT (Technical College) system or the community colleges, Cronley is advocating for a more integrated and collaborative approach to higher education in the state.

Women in Higher Education Leadership

As a female leader in a field where less than 30% of senior academic administrators are women, Dr. Cronley is a strong advocate for mentorship and support among women in higher education. She highlighted the need for female leaders to support each other and pave the way for future generations.

“I’ve made it a personal passion to mentor women in higher education, helping them navigate the unique challenges they face. We need to see more women in top leadership roles, and it’s our responsibility to foster that growth," she shared.

Conclusion

As higher education faces shifting demographic, economic, and societal challenges, leaders like Dr. Maria Cronley are paving the way for a more flexible, inclusive, and student-centered approach. The future of higher education leadership will rely on adaptability, clear communication of value, and a commitment to serving diverse student populations. For Tennessee and beyond, the path forward will be defined by those who can balance tradition with innovation, creating institutions that are both resilient and relevant for years to come.

This vision of leadership—rooted in accessibility, lifelong learning, and a deep understanding of student needs—offers a roadmap not just for Tennessee, but for higher education nationwide.