SEASON 3: Ep. 12 From Student to President: Leading the Institution That Made You with Michael Avaltroni, Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU)

In this conversation, Fairleigh Dickinson University President Dr. Michael Avaltroni shares his remarkable journey from FDU undergraduate student to the institution's ninth president, reflecting on what it means to lead the university that shaped him. He offers a candid and compelling vision for how FDU is navigating higher education's "burning platform" moment, strategically discontinuing select programs with remarkable faculty buy-in, doubling down on health-focused and professionally aligned programming, and embracing a lifelong learning model that serves students well beyond the traditional 18-year-old demographic. Central to his vision are the "Four Ps" (programs, people, partnerships, and place) as well as the concept of "humanics," which blends technological and data literacy with deeply human skills like empathy, creativity, and communication. Dr. Avaltroni makes a compelling case that the disruption facing higher education is not a crisis to survive, but an opportunity to reimagine what a university can be, positioning FDU not as the owner of all knowledge, but as a trusted curator of collaboration, partnership, and lifelong growthThis podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education About Viv Higher EducationViv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.Website: https://vivhied.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/