Radical Cooperation

Higher education is often framed as a competition for students, rankings, and resources. But as financial pressures grow and the challenges facing colleges become more complex, some institutions are exploring a different path — one built on partnership rather than isolation.In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Thomas Evans, President of the University of the Incarnate Word, about the creation of CHARISM, a new alliance of four Catholic universities across San Antonio, New York, Chicago, and San Juan. Together, they discuss how mission-driven institutions can collaborate to expand opportunity, strengthen sustainability, and preserve institutional identity while building something larger together.Grounded in the principles of The Community Solution, the conversation explores the practical realities of building trust across institutions, launching shared initiatives, and creating partnerships rooted in shared values rather than competition.In this episode:How CHARISM came together and what it means for its founding institutionsWhy long-term leadership matters in building successful partnershipsThe growing importance of bilingual and bicultural educationWhat other colleges can learn from CHARISM’s collaborative modelAdvice for presidents and trustees considering institutional partnerships

The disconnect between higher education and the workforce is widely acknowledged but rarely addressed at the institutional level. Most universities respond by adding internships, expanding career services, or launching new programs. Few are built on the premise that half of what students need to learn cannot be taught in a classroom.In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of Kettering University, about what it looks like when a university makes industry integration central to its identity. Drawing on Dr. McMahan's 15 years leading Kettering and the institution's century-long cooperative education model, the conversation explores how universities can build real professional experience into every student's path, why long-tenured presidencies make structural change possible, and what colleges owe the communities they sit in.Rather than defending the traditional academic model, this episode focuses on what becomes possible when universities are willing to reinvent themselves. The conversation also looks at higher education's resistance to change, the rapid disappearance of entry-level roles in an AI-driven economy, and what genuine collaboration between universities, industry, and community looks like in practice.In this episode:Why long-term presidencies make meaningful institutional change possibleHow Kettering's cooperative education model integrates classroom learning with professional experienceWhat universities can do to support the cities and communities around themWhy higher education often treats change as a threat rather than a needHow AI is reshaping entry-level roles and what it means for higher ed

Radical cooperation is the key to building stronger, more resilient institutions—and in this episode, you’ll learn exactly how it works. Radical cooperation isn’t just a concept; it’s a practical framework made up of seven elements that can transform how teams collaborate and succeed. If you’ve ever wondered why some organizations thrive together while others struggle, this conversation reveals the structure behind real collaboration.Hosted by Dr. Horowitz and Associate Director of Communications for The Community Solution Education System, Stephanie Bihr, this episode explores the 7 elements of radical cooperation from Dr. Horowitz’s book, The Community Solution: The Power of Radical Cooperation in Higher Education, and how they apply. From niche superpowers and two-way learning to productive humility and continuous urgency, you’ll hear how these principles help institutions navigate uncertainty, strengthen partnerships, and drive meaningful outcomes. Whether you're leading a team, managing change, or building community, this episode offers a clear framework for working better together.In this episode, you’ll learn:The 7 elements that make radical cooperation actually workHow to identify and leverage your organization’s niche superpowerWhy two-way learning strengthens teams and communitiesThe role of humility and risk-taking in effective collaborationHow continuous urgency drives real impact and momentumDon’t risk operating in silos while others build stronger, more adaptive partnerships. Learn how to apply radical cooperation to create lasting impact.

What is radical cooperation, and why is it becoming a powerful solution in higher education?  In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Horowitz and Associate Director of Communications for The Community Solution Education System, Stephanie Bihr, explore the core concept at the heart of his book, The Community Solution: The Power of Radical Cooperation in Higher Education and why it offers a new path forward for institutions facing growing complexity and change.Drawing on nearly two decades of leadership experience, Dr. Horowitz explains how radical cooperation enables colleges and universities to maintain their unique identities while sharing resources, aligning around a common mission, and working together to scale impact. Through real-world examples, this conversation brings the ideas from the book to life and offers practical insight for leaders looking to apply them within their own organizations or teams.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why radical cooperation works when traditional collaboration failsHow shared infrastructure creates growth across institutionsThe role of leadership and governance in making cooperation succeedPractical ways to break down silos within your organizationHow culture drives long-term collaboration success

Higher education leadership is under more pressure than ever—and in this episode, we explore how media narratives are shaping public trust in the sector. Today’s leaders must navigate misinformation, political scrutiny, and financial instability while still delivering meaningful outcomes for students.In this episode of Radical Cooperation, host Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Sara Custer, Editor-in-Chief of Inside Higher Ed, to examine the growing tension between media coverage and institutional reality. Together, they unpack how public perception is formed, why trust in higher education is increasingly fragile, and how leaders can respond with clarity and strategy in a rapidly shifting landscape.From leadership transitions after founders step down to the rise of AI-generated content and its impact on journalism, this conversation offers a nuanced look at the forces reshaping higher education. Grounded in the principles of The Community Solution, it also highlights how collaboration, transparency, and shared strategy can help institutions build resilience and better serve students.What you’ll learn:How media narratives shape public trust in higher educationThe most pressing leadership challenges facing colleges and universitiesWhy financial pressures and institutional closures are acceleratingHow journalism—and AI—are transforming the information landscapeWhat it takes to successfully step into leadership after a founder exits

Athletics often sit at the center of campus identity, yet decisions about sports programs are rarely examined through the same strategic lens as academics, enrollment, or finance. As costs rise and the landscape shifts, leaders face increasingly complex choices about whether athletics strengthen institutional health or quietly strain it.In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Daniel Mahony about how presidents and senior leaders navigate the real trade-offs behind college sports. Drawing on Mahony’s experience leading institutions through financial, cultural, and competitive pressures, the conversation explores why most athletic programs operate at a loss, how even the largest conferences face sustainability challenges, and why collaboration across leadership teams matters more than scale or prestige.Rather than debating whether athletics belong in higher education, this episode focuses on how leaders make deliberate, mission-aligned decisions and when athletics can become a strategic asset rather than a liability.In this episode:The institutional costs and benefits of college athleticsHow athletics shape campus culture and identityWhen sports programs support mission and when they complicate itWhy athletics decisions require system-level leadershipHow institutions align athletics with long-term priorities

Risk in higher education rarely announces itself. It accumulates gradually through delayed decisions, familiar assumptions, and governance processes that struggle to keep pace with changing conditions. By the time a crisis becomes visible, leaders often discover that their range of options is far narrower than they expected.In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Jim Long about how colleges move from perceived stability to real vulnerability and how boards and senior leaders can recognize those shifts earlier. Drawing on Jim’s work with institutional risk models, enrollment data, and governance practice, the conversation examines why enrollment alone is a misleading signal, how discounting and net revenue quietly reshape risk, and why certain governance patterns delay action.Rather than forecasting which institutions will struggle, this episode focuses on strengthening judgment helping leaders interpret data more honestly and ask better questions before pressure turns into urgency.In this episode:How institutional risk builds gradually over timeWhat enrollment and financial data reveal and concealWhy governance structures matter in moments of uncertaintyHow boards can improve oversight without creating alarmWhat strong institutions do before challenges escalate

In The Community Solution, Dr. Michael Horowitz presents a bold vision for higher education, showing how colleges can break down silos, collaborate effectively, and build resilient, student-centered institutions. Drawing on his experience leading a six-college system, Horowitz illustrates how radical cooperation and thoughtful design can transform institutions—and the students they serve. This episode highlights the ideas at the heart of the book, giving listeners a front-row seat to his framework in action.Many colleges feel stuck between two unsatisfying options: preserve traditions that no longer fit, or chase change without clarity about what should remain. As enrollment pressures and financial constraints grow, the deeper challenge is not innovation itself, but whether institutions truly understand what students are hiring them to do.In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Michael Horn to examine how higher education’s underlying models shape institutional behavior often more than leaders realize. Drawing on jobs-to-be-done thinking, they explore why incremental fixes rarely deliver resilience, how misalignment between student motivations and institutional design leads to attrition, and why focus and differentiation are essential for helping students choose more intentionally.Rather than framing the future as a breaking point, this episode offers a grounded perspective on how colleges can evolve thoughtfully, preserving their core while building structures that better serve both students and institutions.In this episode:Why institutional models matter more than isolated initiativesHow focus and differentiation help students make clearer choicesThe limits of incremental change in moments of structural pressureWhat leaders can realistically control in uncertain conditions

Higher education is competing for attention in a more crowded, fragmented landscape than ever before. As enrollment pressure rises and traditional advantages fade, institutions face a critical leadership question: how do you grow without losing focus, credibility, or mission?In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Brook Shepard, Founder and CEO of Mason Interactive, about what higher education leaders often misunderstand about marketing, enrollment, and growth. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience working with colleges, universities, and mission-driven organizations, Brook reframes marketing not as a set of tactics, but as an institutional capability that requires alignment, patience, and shared responsibility.In this episode:Why higher education often measures marketing the wrong wayHow short-term efficiency can undermine long-term enrollment growthWhat alignment between marketing, admissions, and leadership really requiresWhy awareness is a prerequisite for demand, not a luxuryHow institutions can build shared accountability instead of siloed blame

Alumni relationships are often treated as transactional, a newsletter, a donation ask, a quiet fade after graduation. But as higher education faces enrollment pressure, rising costs, and shifting expectations, the deeper question is how institutions build alumni relationships that are genuinely sustaining and long-term. In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Ellen Helms, Jana Johnston, and Saajan Bhakta about what meaningful alumni connection actually looks like over time. Drawing from their experiences as trustees, researchers, faculty leaders, and practitioners, they explore why personal outreach matters more than mass communication, how institutions without traditional campuses or sports can reimagine “homecoming,” and why trust and belonging must be cultivated well before students graduate.In this episode:Why personalized alumni engagement outperforms generic outreachHow institutions can redefine “homecoming” beyond sports and campusesThe long-term value of alumni relationships for students and institutionsWays alumni can support students through mentorship, access, and advocacyWhy trust and belonging must begin during the student experience

Technological change is accelerating faster than most institutions can adapt. As artificial intelligence reshapes work, learning, and leadership, higher education faces a deeper question: what human skills truly endure when information becomes instant and automation becomes ubiquitous?In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Rishi Jaitly, Founder and Professor at the Virginia Tech Institute for Leadership in Technology. Together, they explore why the humanities, often dismissed as “soft skills”, may be the most critical foundation for leadership in an AI-driven world. Drawing on Rishi’s experience across Silicon Valley, global technology platforms, and higher education, the conversation reframes empathy, curiosity, storytelling, and ethical judgment as essential forms of leadership capacity.From the concept of the “full-stack human” to the limits of content-based education, this discussion examines how institutions can prepare leaders not just to use technology, but to steward it with clarity, humility, and purpose.In this episode:Why the humanities matter more as technology acceleratesWhat it means to develop “full-stack” human leadersHow curiosity and ambiguity shape effective leadershipThe limits of content-driven education in the AI eraWhy lifelong learning is becoming a leadership imperative

Distinctiveness in higher education isn’t created by accident. It takes clarity, discipline, and the willingness to make strategic choices, especially as colleges face shrinking enrollments, rising costs, and pressure to prove their value.In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Mary Marcy, Ph.D., President Emerita of Dominican University of California, and Lucie Lapovsky, Ph.D., Former President of Mercy College and current College Management Consultant. Together, they explore what truly sets successful colleges apart, how retention and mission clarity drive both academic and financial health, and why collaboration, not isolation, is becoming essential for survival.From redefining student pathways to rethinking resource models and shared infrastructure, Mary and Lucie offer a grounded look at the decisions that help institutions stay strong in an era of rapid change.In this episode:What truly defines institutional distinctionHow retention and mission clarity strengthen outcomesWhy collaboration and shared services matter more than everThe leadership mindset needed to navigate rapid change

Higher education is entering a new era of digital responsibility. As campuses adopt AI tools, expand online learning, and rely on data to improve the student experience, the pressure to protect that information has never been greater.In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Jeanne Eicks, Rick Merrick, and Pegah Parsi about how universities can build a culture of privacy that strengthens trust, reduces risk, and supports innovation. Together, they explore why privacy is no longer just a legal requirement, how student expectations are evolving across generations, and what it takes to lead responsibly in a world shaped by constant technological change.In this episode:Why privacy must be treated as a shared institutional value, not a checklist.How data footprints, AI use, and global regulations are reshaping higher ed.What “digital risk” really means for students, faculty, and the institution.Why the rise of privacy leadership in higher education signals a major cultural shift.How universities can balance innovation with protection—and earn student trust in the process.

Higher education is under financial pressure like never before. Rising costs, shrinking enrollments, and tuition-dependent models are forcing leaders to make hard choices about what to cut and what to protect.In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Jennifer Gantz, Chief Financial Officer of the Community Solution Education System, about how strategic investment, not austerity, is the key to institutional resilience. Together, they unpack why you can’t cut your way to greatness, how shared governance complicates financial decisions, and what it really takes to align money with mission in today’s higher ed landscape.In this episode:Why cutting costs alone undermines quality and long-term growth.How program prioritization, shared governance, and transparency create smarter decisions.The leadership mindset CFOs need to stay innovative and adaptive under pressure

Shrinking enrollments and financial strain are pressuring colleges nationwide, but survival isn’t about cutting to the bone. It’s about rethinking how institutions scale, collaborate, and innovate.In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Jeremy Moreland, president of Saybrook University, about how bold leadership and radical cooperation can transform higher education. From boosting doctoral completion rates to building trust with faculty and embracing calculated risk, Dr. Moreland shares lessons from leading institutions through challenge and change.In this episode:How economies of scale create room for innovation and resilience.Why transparency and collaboration are essential to student success.What higher ed leaders can learn from risk-taking and failure in other fields.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the workforce, but most colleges and universities are still figuring out what it means for teaching, learning, and leadership.In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz is joined by Dale Pike, Associate Provost for Technology-enhanced Learning at Virginia Tech, to unpack what AI literacy really requires in higher education, and why faculty readiness may be the biggest barrier to progress. Drawing from years of work in instructional design, emerging technologies, and generative AI research, Dale shares a clear-eyed view of what it will take for institutions to move beyond novelty and toward real integration.From the ethical foundations of AI use to the gaps between STEM and non-STEM learners, this conversation explores how higher ed can embed AI fluency without starting from scratch, and why the real work ahead isn’t technical, but cultural.In this episode:What AI literacy should look like across disciplinesWhy faculty development is essential for institutional readinessHow higher ed can evolve without abandoning its human-centered mission

Bold ideas alone don’t drive change in higher education. They need structure, support, and shared commitment to take root. In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Nadege Dady, Dean of Student Affairs at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harlem Campus about what it takes to lead boldly within complex systems.From expanding student access to healthcare careers, to navigating institutional risk and building lasting partnerships, Dr. Dady shares how strong leadership balances courage with clarity. Together, they explore why collaboration, communication, and planning are essential to making bold decisions that actually move institutions forward.In this episode:What distinguishes bold leadership from impulsive actionHow institutions can create the conditions for meaningful changeWhy student pathways depend on coordinated, strategic effortLove the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

What does it mean for a university to truly be of the community and not just in it? Dive into this transformative conversation about civic engagement and how higher education can shape a better future for all.In this episode of Radical Cooperation, host Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Dr. Matthew Nehmer, president of The Colleges of Law, to explore how universities can foster civic engagement and connect meaningfully with their communities. From debates on ballot propositions to free legal clinics, Dr. Niemer shares practical insights and inspiring stories of how institutions can lead the way in creating engaged citizens and meaningful societal change. Together, they uncover the power of collaboration in transforming education and empowering students to make a difference.In This Episode:How universities can move from being in the community to truly becoming of the community.Innovative approaches like public debates, legal clinics, and study-abroad experiences that create lasting impacts for students and the public.Overcoming obstacles to civic engagement and building partnerships that amplify an institution’s reach and relevance.Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Online education has become essential, but the bar keeps rising. Today’s students expect flexibility, relevance, and connection. Can small colleges lead the next chapter of online learning?In this roundtable episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz is joined by three bold leaders from The Community Solution Education System: Dr. Cherron Hoppes, Chief Academic Officer; Dr. Sean Nufer, Senior Director of Teaching and Learning; and Dr. Ruben Cortez, Professor at Pacific Oaks College.Together, they explore what it takes to deliver truly high-quality, student-centered online learning. From instructional design and faculty development to student belonging and cross-campus collaboration, this conversation reveals how small colleges—when grounded in purpose and supported by systems—can lead innovation at scale.In this episode:Why relevance and intentionality matter more than ever in online designHow small colleges can lead innovation with the right supportWhat students really want from today’s online learning experience

How can higher education better prepare students for lives—and careers—that work?In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz is joined by Elizabeth Erickson, Executive Director of Higher Expectations for Racine County, to explore how colleges, employers, and communities can co-design education systems that lead to real opportunity. Drawing on her experience in Racine County and across the StriveTogether network, Elizabeth shares how career pathways are built not by chance, but through trust, alignment, and hands-on experience.From connecting high school students to dual credit and early fieldwork, to helping first-generation college students access mentorship and complete degrees, this conversation reveals how local partnerships can drive workforce success and transform entire communities.In this episode:Why career pathways must start earlier and be built with intentionHow real-world learning supports retention and long-term successWhat it takes to align institutions, employers, and families around student futures

What’s stopping higher education from reaching its full potential?In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Dr. Beronda Montgomery—biologist, author of Lessons from Plants, and former Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean at Grinnell College—to unpack why silos persist in colleges and universities, and how those divisions hold institutions back from true innovation and collective progress.Drawing inspiration from the natural world, Montgomery explores how plant systems offer surprising insights into human leadership, institutional design, and the kind of relationship-driven change higher ed needs now more than ever. From rethinking outdated reward models to building systems that prioritize collaboration over prestige, this conversation offers a hopeful blueprint for transforming higher education into a true ecosystem of shared success.In this episode:- Why silos persist in academic institutions—and what they really cost- What plants can teach us about leadership and cooperation- How institutions can rebuild trust and redesign for impact

What drives true collaboration in complex organizations? Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Dr. Edward Bergmark, Chair of The Community Solution Board of Trustees and founder of Optum at UnitedHealth Group, and Victoria Dolan, Trustee for The Community Solution and former CFO of Revlon, to explore the psychology behind Radical Cooperation.Dr. Bergmark shares how his experience in both corporate and nonprofit leadership has shaped his approach to fostering trust and teamwork. Trustee Dolan offers insights from her global executive roles, revealing how leaders can create cultures of collaboration even in competitive environments. Together, they unpack the mindset shifts and strategies that make Radical Cooperation a transformative force in higher education and beyond.In this episode:Why Radical Cooperation is the key to institutional successHow leaders can build trust and drive meaningful collaborationThe role of humility, shared resources, and a collective vision in fostering innovation

Most institutions try to do too much—and end up making less impact. But what if the key to success is narrowing your focus instead of expanding it?In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Dr. Breeda McGrath, President of Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School, to discuss the power of niche superpowers in higher education. They explore how institutions can thrive by doubling down on their strengths, staying true to their mission, and embracing radical cooperation to maximize their impact.In this episode:Why focusing on your niche leads to greater successHow Pacific Oaks College builds community impact through specializationHow to balance innovation with staying true to your mission

What does it take to lead a university that listens, learns, and evolves with the world around it?In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Michael Alexander, former president of Lasell University, to explore what universities must learn from the communities, industries, and local voices just beyond their gates. Drawing from his unique journey from Hollywood studios to higher ed leadership, Alexander shares how asking the right questions—and listening to external voices—helped transform Lasell into a hub of innovation, civic engagement, and economic impact.From launching a retirement village that became an academic asset, to reshaping programs based on real employer needs, this conversation reveals how radical cooperation and two-way learning can turn institutional challenges into lasting opportunity.In this episode:How community partnerships created lasting academic innovationWhy economic impact is higher ed’s most underused storyThe power of listening over leading in institutional changeNote: Since this recording, Michael Alexander was named Interim President of Western New England University.

What happens when tradition meets a moment that demands change? Higher education faces mounting pressure—declining enrollment, shrinking budgets, shifting regulations, and public doubt. But within the disruption lies a rare chance to reimagine how colleges serve students, communities, and society.This week, Dr. Michael Horowitz is joined by Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy—former president of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and former director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture—to explore what’s broken in higher ed and what’s still possible. Together, they unpack the sector’s most urgent challenges and spotlight how collaboration, not isolation, could be the key to building a stronger, more student-centered future.In this episode:The overlooked root causes behind higher ed’s instabilityHow ignoring the data is costing higher ed everythingWhat colleges must do now to earn back student trust

How can universities evolve without losing their core values? In the first episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz sits down with Dr. Paul LeBlanc, former president of Southern New Hampshire University, to explore the tension between tradition and progress in higher education.Dr. LeBlanc shares his journey from first-generation student to university president, insights from Southern New Hampshire University’s rise in online education, and lessons on leadership, governance, and innovation.In this episode:Balancing tradition with innovation in higher educationHow SNHU became a leader in online learningThe leadership qualities needed to drive meaningful change