Higher Education at a Crossroads: Jon Connolly Calls for Institutional Transparency and Community-Centred Reform

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Jon Connolly, Newton, NJ, USA.

Veteran academic leader urges colleges to promote shared governance and environmental accountability amid shifting enrollment and rising public scrutiny
In a time of rapid change and increased pressure on colleges and universities, Jon Connolly, a seasoned higher education leader, is raising his voice to call for systemic transformation rooted in transparency, ethics, and community engagement. Drawing from decades of experience in academic affairs and executive leadership, Connolly is encouraging institutions and individuals alike to rethink the purpose and practices of higher education.

"We are at a tipping point," Connolly said in a recent interview titled "Leading with Integrity." "Institutions can no longer operate as isolated entities. The public is asking, 'Who are you serving?' And we need better answers."

A Wake-Up Call for Institutions

With student enrolment down 15% across U.S. colleges since 2019, and community trust in higher education at its lowest point in decades, Connolly argues that the sector must move beyond reactive fixes. Instead, he champions a philosophy of "shared ownership" and "systems thinking" to guide institutional decisions.

In his own leadership career, Connolly has guided campuses through budget crises, demographic shifts, and curriculum reform-all with a clear emphasis on shared governance.

The Broader Ecosystem: Environmental and Social Accountability

Beyond finances and policy, Connolly is advocating for a deeper integration of sustainability and community engagement into academic missions.

"Colleges are ecosystems," he explains. "If you cut support services to balance the books, you may see the effects in student retention. Everything is interconnected-just like in the natural world."

His call echoes recent data from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), which notes that only 42% of institutions have formal sustainability goals despite mounting climate-related risks. Connolly wants that to change.

He adds, "Environmental science teaches us to think long-term, to anticipate consequences. It is about ethics and business. It is about rationality, not politics. That mindset belongs in the boardroom as much as in the classroom."

Rebuilding Trust and Relevance

Citing Gallup research showing that only 36% of Americans now express confidence in higher education, Connolly says institutions must "re-earn public trust by doing the hard work of listening, adapting, and showing integrity."

That starts, he believes, with empowering individuals-educators, staff, and community members-to participate meaningfully in reform.

"This isn't just about presidents or provosts," he said. "Everyone has a stake in what happens to higher education, and everyone has something to contribute."

What You Can Do

Jon Connolly is challenging the higher education community to focus efforts in the following ways:

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Ask questions. Demand transparency in how educational institutions are governed and funded.

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Support interdisciplinary learning. Encourage your local schools and colleges to blend environmental, social, and ethical frameworks across all subjects.

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Get involved locally. Volunteer, attend open forums, or join advisory committees. Influence change from the ground up.

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Model lifelong learning. Whether it's enrolling in a course or simply staying informed, show that education doesn't stop with a degree.

A Shared Vision

At the heart of Connolly's message is the idea that higher education can-and must-become more than a credentialing machine.

"The future isn't fixed," he said. "But if we lead with the end in mind, and remain open to learning-at every level-we can shape something that lasts."

To read the full interview, visit the website here [https://bmmagazine.co.uk/business/leading-with-integrity-a-conversation-with-higher-education-trailblazer-jon-connolly/].

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