IngenioUs

Hosted by Melissa Morriss-Olson

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244

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to IngenioUs — where conversations spark innovation and open doors to the future of higher education. Our podcast is a dedicated space for deep dives with the most original minds and active changemakers in academia. Each episode is a journey through the ideas and actions of those at the forefront, pushing boundaries and redefining what's possible in higher ed. Join us as we explore academic innovation, uncovering insights and inspirations from those who dare to think differently.

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August 25, 202611 min

She Leads the Way, Essay Three: Identity — Reclaim, Not Reinvent

What if becoming a stronger leader isn’t always about becoming someone new? In this special IngenioUs episode, we bring together voices from five remarkable women leaders featured in Essay Three of the She Leads the Way series: Pam Eddinger , Elsa Núñez , Marcheta Evans , Hilary Link , and Beverly Daniel Tatum Across their stories, a powerful theme emerges: identity matters. Leadership is often described as a process of growth and transformation. But these conversations suggest something different. Sometimes the work is not to reinvent ourselves, but to become more fully at home in who we already are—to recognize how our culture, experiences, communities, and even the places where we have not quite fit have shaped the way we lead. Pam Eddinger gives us the word at the heart of this essay: reclaim . Reclaim the experiences. Reclaim the perspectives. Reclaim the parts of ourselves we may once have thought we needed to leave behind in order to lead. Listen as Pam Eddinger, Elsa Núñez, Marcheta Evans, Hilary Link, and Beverly Daniel Tatum reflect on identity, belonging, representation, and what it means to lead authentically. Then read the full essay, “Identity: Reclaim, Not Reinvent,” at: https://ingeniousleadership.org/ This is Essay Three in She Leads the Way , a series inspired by conversations with more than thirty women presidents and senior leaders featured on the IngenioUs Podcast. The complete collection will appear in the forthcoming book, She Leads the Way: What Women Leaders Teach Us About the Leadership Higher Education Needs Now , coming this fall from IngenioUs Leadership Press.

August 11, 20264 min

She Leads the Way | Essay Two: The Path: Composed, Not Climbed

Over the past several weeks, we've been delighted toshare the beginning of She Leads the Way —a series of short essays inspired by Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson's conversations with more than thirty women presidents and senior leaders featured on the IngenioUs Podcast. Each essay explores a leadership lesson that surfacedrepeatedly across these remarkable conversations. Today, we're pleased to share the second essay in theseries. Leadership journeys rarely unfold according to plan. In this essay, Melissa reflects on the stories of Isabelle Cherney , Krista Newkirk , Barbara Mistick , and Barbara Farley —fourwomen whose careers remind us that meaningful leadership is seldom the result of following a perfectly mapped path. Instead, their journeys were shaped by unexpected turns, personal challenges, courageous decisions, and a willingnessto grow through experiences they never could have anticipated. Rather than climbing a predetermined ladder, theycomposed their lives one experience at a time. The companion video brings their voices together, highlighting the wisdom behind these extraordinary journeys and inviting each of us to think differently about our own leadership path.

June 30, 2026Episode 2540 min

The Steward of Momentum: Dr. Laurel Bongiorno and the Leadership of Continuity

What does it mean to lead an institution forward without feeling compelled to reinvent it? In this latest episode, Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson sitsdown with Dr. Laurel Bongiorno, the newly appointed president of Hartwick College, to explore a leadership journey shaped by mentorship, appreciative inquiry, collaboration, and a deep commitment to institutional stewardship. Laurel's path to the presidency began in early childhood education and evolved through roles as faculty member, dean, provost, and now president. Along the way, she developed a leadership philosophy grounded in the beliefthat "words make worlds" and that the strongest solutions emerge when people are invited into meaningful conversations about the future. In this thoughtful conversation, Laurel discusses: • The mentor who helped shape her career path at age seventeen• How her background in education and business prepared her for leadership• The influence of appreciative inquiry on her decision-making and leadership style• Why relationships, trust, and collaboration are at the center of effective leadership• Lessons learned from working with nine different college presidents• The opportunities and challenges facing small liberal arts colleges today• Why Hartwick chose continuity and forward momentum rather than disruption in its presidential transition• The role of mentorship, sponsorship, and community in developing women leaders• Her vision for ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for Hartwick College Throughout the conversation, Laurel offers a refreshing perspective on leadership—one that values steadiness over spectacle, partnership over hierarchy, and long-term institutional health over short-term change. Whether you are an aspiring leader, a seasoned higher education professional, or someone interested in how institutions navigate change, this episode offers valuable insights into leading with purpose, humility, andconviction. Guest: Dr. Laurel Bongiorno, President, Hartwick College Host: Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson #HigherEducation #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #CollegePresidents#AppreciativeInquiry #HigherEdLeadership #HartwickCollege #IngenioUsYouPodcast#AcademicLeadership #WomenWhoLead

June 23, 20262 min

IngenioUs Reflections: What Clay Has Taught Me About Leadership

One of the most important leadership lessons I've learned recently didn't come from a boardroom, strategic planning retreat, or leadership conference—it came from a pottery wheel. In this short video reflection, I share how learning ceramics has reminded me of the value of humility, patience, experimentation, and lifelong learning. 📖 Read the full article: https://ingeniousu.wpcomstaging.com/ What unexpected experience has become a teacher in your own life?

June 16, 202651 min

The Shoulder Tap: Dr. Isabelle Cherney on Seeing Possibility in Others

What if the most important thing a leader can do is help someone see possibilities they cannot yet see in themselves? In this episode of IngenioUs , Melissa Morriss-Olson sits down with Dr. Isabelle Cherney, President of Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about leadership, humanpotential, and the power of believing in others. Born and raised in Switzerland, Dr. Cherney brings a unique global perspective to her work as a university president. A developmental psychologist by training and a passionate advocate for women and children, she has dedicatedmuch of her career to understanding how people develop, learn, and discover their strengths. What emerges throughout this conversation is a powerful theme that has shaped both her personal journey and her leadership philosophy: the importanceof the "shoulder tap." Again and again throughout her life, someone recognized potential in her before she recognized it in herself and encouraged her to pursue opportunities she never imagined. Today, as president of one of the nation's few remaining women's universities, she strives to do the same forothers. Melissa and Dr. Cherney discuss: • Growing up in Switzerland and how living across cultures shaped herapproach to leadership • Her academic research on psychology, gender, and human development • The unexpected path that led her to the university presidency • What she has learned about leading as an introvert in a highly visible role • The creation of Mount Mary's Institute for the Advancement of Women and Children • Why women often hesitate to pursue leadership opportunities—and how we can change that • The importance of mentors, sponsors, and leaders who see possibilities in others • Her vision for the future of higher education and the need for greater flexibility, innovation, and collaboration Throughout the conversation, Dr. Cherney offers a compelling reminder that leadership is not about titles or authority. It is about helping people recognize their own potential and creating opportunities for them to thrive. Whether you are an aspiring leader, a seasoned professional, an educator, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights about leading with empathy, courage, and purpose. About Dr. Isabelle Cherney Dr. Isabelle Cherney is President of Mount Mary University, a Catholic university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, dedicated to educating women and advancing social justice. A developmental psychologist, scholar, and higher educationleader, she has devoted her career to empowering individuals and expanding opportunities for women and underserved populations. Host: Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson Podcast: IngenioUs Leadership * Season 6: Extraordinary Women Leaders in Higher Education

June 2, 2026Episode 2946 min

Brooke Barnett: Leading with Curiosity, Connection, and Courage at Rollins College

In this episode of IngenioUs , Melissa Morriss-Olson sits down with Dr. Brooke Barnett , President of Rollins College, for a candid and inspiring conversation about authentic leadership, innovation, and the evolving future of higher education. Just months into her presidency, Dr. Barnett reflects on the experiences that shaped her leadership journey—from growing up in rural Kentucky and beginning her career in journalism to becoming a First Amendment scholar,provost, and now college president. Along the way, she shares how curiosity, relationships, and a deep commitment to community have guided her leadershipphilosophy. Together, Melissa and Brooke explore: The power of curiosity as a leadership strength Why authentic, relationship-driven leadership matters more than ever The transition from faculty member to senior leadership Leading innovation while staying grounded in institutional mission The future relevance of the liberal arts in the age of AI The emotional complexity of presidential decision-making Women’s leadership and the unique pressures faced by women presidents Resilience, self-awareness, and sustaining oneself in demanding leadership roles Dr. Barnett also offers an inside look at the exciting vision unfolding at Rollins College, including the institution’s “Innovation Triangle” and its commitment to experiential learning, creativity, and human-centered education. Thoughtful, insightful, and refreshingly honest, this conversation offers valuable wisdom for current and aspiring leaders both within and beyond higher education. About Our Guest Dr. Brooke Barnett is the President of Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. A former journalist and media law scholar, she previously served in senior leadership roles at Butler University and Elon University. Her leadership is known for its authenticity, collaborative spirit, and commitment to innovation rooted in mission and community.

May 19, 20261 min

The Loneliness of Seeing It Clearly Before Others Do. Melissa Morriss-Olson

There is a moment in leadership that doesn’t get talked about very often. It’s not the moment when a decision is made. It comes earlier—when something starts to become clear, but not yet to everyone else. In this short video, Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson introduces her latest reflection on this often-overlooked phase of leadership: the space between recognizing a shift and bringing others along. Drawing on conversations with university presidents, she explores what it means to: • see something before others do • navigate the timing of action • communicate through uncertainty • and “hold” an institution through change This is the part of leadership that can feel isolating—and yet, it’s often where the most important work begins. 🎥 Watch the video for a brief introduction 📖 Read the full essay here: https://ingeniousu.wpcomstaging.com/ We’d love to hear what resonates with your own leadership experience.

May 12, 2026Episode 2649 min

The Listening Strategist: Leading with Courage, Clarity, and Conviction in Times of Change

In this episode of IngenioUs , I sit down with President Krista L.Newkirk J.D.of the University of Redlands —an extraordinary leader whose journey to the presidency is as compelling as her approach to leadership. From her early years growing up on a cattle ranch in Missouri, to her career as an attorney, to leading complex institutional transformation, Krista’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and purpose. What stands out most is her ability to navigate high-stakes decisions with both analytical rigor and deep humanity. At the heart of her leadership is a powerful—and often overlooked—skill: listening. As Krista shares, truly listening means understanding not just what people say, but what they feel—and that insight shapes how she leads, makesdecisions, and builds trust across her institution. In our conversation, we explore: Krista’s unconventional path to the college presidency What she learned stepping into leadership for the first time—and what surprised her most Why communication is more complex than we think (“people hear what they fear”) How she approaches decision-making in moments of uncertainty and risk What it really takes to lead mergers and institutional transformation The importance of authenticity, humility, and surrounding yourself with the right team Her candid perspective on women in leadership today Why rebuilding trust in higher education is one of the most urgent challenges ahead If you’re a leader in higher education—or aspire to be—this is an episode you won’t want to miss. About Our Guest Dr. Krista Newkirk is President of the University of Redlands. With a background in law and higher education leadership, she has led significant institutional transformation, including mergers and strategic growth initiatives, while remaining deeply committed to student success andmission-driven leadership.

May 8, 20267 min

Beyond Enrollment: The Power of ‘Stickiness’ in Higher Education. David Staley

What makes a university—and its surrounding city— sticky ? In this episode, David J. Staley explores a powerful concept shaping the future of higher education: stickiness —the ability of a college or university not only to attract students, but to inspire them to stay, build careers, and contribute to the region after graduation. Drawing on a recent consulting experience at a Midwestern university, Staley reflects on a familiar challenge: institutions successfully bring students in, only to watch them leave for opportunities elsewhere. He contrasts this with “sticky” ecosystems like Ohio State and Columbus, where a dynamic interplay between university strengths and regional opportunities encourages graduates to remain and thrive. The episode introduces the idea of a “stickiness index” —a framework for assessing how well institutions and cities retain talent. Factors include: Alignment between academic programs and local job markets Internship and career pipelines Social connections and campus engagement Quality of life and affordability Entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems Staley argues that stickiness is not accidental—it requires a deliberate, collaborative strategy between universities, civic leaders, and employers. It also calls for a reimagining of alumni engagement, shifting from long-term connection-building to immediate post-graduation retention efforts . Importantly, he reframes the common narrative of “brain drain” as something more subtle: “brain leakage” —where talent is developed locally but gradually seeps away due to lack of opportunity or connection. For institutions facing enrollment pressures and questions about value, a focus on stickiness offers a compelling path forward—one that integrates enrollment, student experience, workforce development, and regional vitality into a unified strategy. 🔑 Key Takeaways Stickiness = Attraction + Retention : It’s not enough to enroll students; success means keeping them after graduation. Ecosystems Matter : Universities and cities must work together to create opportunities and quality of life that retain talent. Social Embeddedness Counts : Relationships, engagement, and belonging influence whether graduates stay. From Brain Drain to Brain Leakage : Talent loss is often gradual—and preventable. A Strategic Opportunity : A “stickiness strategy” can serve as a roadmap for institutional resilience and regional growth. 🎯 Why This Matters As higher education faces increasing disruption—from demographic shifts to economic pressures—institutions must think beyond traditional metrics. “Stickiness” reframes success in terms of long-term impact, regional contribution, and human connection . 👤 About the Author David J. Staley is a historian, author, and thought leader on the future of higher education. His University Design column explores innovative ideas shaping institutions and their role in society.

April 21, 202646 min

The Builder President: How Summer McGee Is Reimagining Higher Education with Vision, Data, and Heart

In a time when higher education is facing profound questions about its value, purpose, and future, what does it take to lead with both clarity and conviction? In this episode of IngenioUs , I sit down with Dr. Summer McGee, president of Lenoir-Rhyne University—a dynamic and forward-thinking leader whose career has been defined by building: building programs, building strategy, and building institutions that grow and thrive. From her earliest days as a faculty member launching a new academic program to her leadership today as a two-time college president, Summer has consistently approached leadership with a builder’s mindset. In our conversation, she shares what she has learned across her leadership journey and how she is navigating one of the most complex moments in higher education.We explore: Why higher education leaders must once again articulate the value of a college degree The critical question every institution must answer: Why do we exist—and what do we do better than anyone else? What she learned from leading a major institutional turnaround at Salem Academy and College The invisible work of the presidency—and how she manages the weight of leadership How authenticity, relationships, and joy (including competitive pinball!) shape her leadership style Why data-driven decision making and storytelling go hand-in-hand What women need to know before stepping into senior leadership roles Throughout the conversation, Summer offers a powerful reminder that leadership is both deeply strategic and deeply human—and that the future of higher education will be shaped by those who can do both well. About the Guest Dr. Summer McGee is the president of Lenoir-Rhyne University. A two-time college president and former founding dean, she is known for her expertise in academic innovation, enrollment growth, and institutional transformation. Her leadership is grounded in a commitment to student success, strategic clarity,and building organizations that are positioned to thrive in a rapidly changing higher education landscape. Key Takeaways Great leadership in higher education requiresbalancing heart and strategy Institutions must clearly define and communicate their distinctive value Transformation is possible—even in resource-constrained environments—when vision and alignment are strong Authenticity and vulnerability are strengths, not liabilities, in leadership Sustainable leadership depends on support systems, boundaries, and moments of joy Connect & Learn More Follow IngenioUs for more conversations with innovative leaders shaping the future of higher education.