In this episode, Dr. Tim Jansa talks with higher education consultant and coach Rick Rattray about the growing role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in higher ed, from operational arrangements like food services and residence halls to academically embedded collaborations such as online program management and international pathway programs. They unpack common tensions around intellectual property, academic control, culture clashes, opaque decision-making, and misaligned timelines, and explore how coaching and change leadership can help surface mistrust, create psychological safety, engage key stakeholders early, and align both sides around a compelling “why.”

Drawing on real-world examples of both successful and failed partnerships, Rick offers practical advice—especially for coaches working from the university side—on using coaching and consulting skills together to navigate expectations, address red flags, and co-create sustainable, mutually beneficial PPPs.

In the first episode of Season 2 of the "Coaching in Higher Education" podcast, host Dr. Tim Jansa discusses the new book Transformative Coaching for Faculty and Staff in Higher Education with editors Dr. Karen Gonzalez Rice and Dr. Susan Hrach. The book, which includes contributions from various experts, aims to provide a comprehensive guide to coaching in higher education, addressing both faculty and staff.

The editors emphasize the importance of transformative coaching, the need for cultural competence, and the significance of coaching in addressing productivity challenges and personal well-being. They also highlight the book's structure, which includes foundational coaching principles, specific coaching scenarios, and different coaching modalities, aiming to create a learning experience for coaches.

Are you a coach interested in working with colleges and universities, but have gained most of your experience in industry? Or maybe you're an experienced higher ed coach looking for new insights to enhance your practice? Either way, you're in the right place!

This presentation on coaching in higher education, delivered by Dr. Tim Jansa, a certified leadership and organizational development coach, aims to provide insights and practical advice for coaches interested in working with colleges and universities. The presentation covers the unique challenges and complexities of higher education institutions, the importance of coaching in this context, and the potential impact of effective coaching on these organizations.

Dr. Jansa highlights the unique organizational structures and challenges faced by colleges and universities, such as deeply embedded silos, hierarchical structures, and the lack of a unified vision. He discusses the importance of understanding these complexities and the need for coaches to navigate them effectively.

The presentation then delves into the specific challenges of coaching in higher education, including the "faculty leadership trap," the misconception of higher education institutions as machines, and the lack of meaningful leadership development programs. The presenter emphasizes the importance of coaching as a non-directive approach to bring about lasting positive change in these institutions.

Dr. Jansa also addresses the changing priorities of employees in higher education, particularly in the post-pandemic era, and the need for institutions to adapt to these new expectations. He highlights the potential of coaching to address employee turnover and attrition by developing pathways for advancement and leveraging the knowledge and expertise of staff and faculty.

The presentation concludes with key takeaways and a call to action for coaches to help higher education institutions become more agile, appreciate the knowledge and potential within their organizations, and dispel the image of coaching as a punitive intervention.