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In episode 52 of the HigherEdJobs Podcast Andy and Kelly talk with Justin Zackal, a longtime contributor to HEJ who works in communications and public affairs at Slippery Rock University.
Zackal expanded upon an article he wrote for HEJ in January 2024, describing the need in higher education for “rugged flexibility,” a term coined by author and executive coach Brad Stulberg in his latest book, “Master of Change.”
Zackal said that developing a comfortable relationship to change through a ruggedly flexible response is a better approach than simply reacting emotionally.
On the podcast, Zackal said that he’s fascinated with change, despite working in higher education where many people are averse to change.
“I’m a communicator, so I think change makes for good stories,” he said. “And I also appreciate growth. You can’t have growth without change.”
Zackal said it’s important for people working in higher education to recalibrate their relationship to change. Rugged flexibility melds resiliency and stability but also includes the ability to adapt to alternate circumstances and conditions, allowing a person to thrive amid change.
“There’s no question in higher education, we’ve had a lot of change and there’s going to be more changes to come,” Zackal said.
Turnover Among University Presidents Leads to Sweeping Changes
Student-facing workers must prepare for young people arriving on campus who are underprepared for college, a downstream effect from the pandemic. Zackal noted that new managers at institutions also want to shake things up and make sweeping sudden changes.
“There’s a lot of turnover at the president’s level,” he said. “The terms of presidents now are shorter than ever. They’re only six years, and that affects a lot of change at institutions.”
Zackal said the biggest changes, however, are how higher education responds to the job market, high turnover rates for workers in higher education and competition for students, as we approach the enrollment “cliff” in 2025 and an expected drop in students by up to 15 percent.
Listen to the entire episode for more from Justin, Andy and Kelly. Have a question for HEJ to explore on the podcast? Email us at podcast@higheredjobs.com.
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