Choice, Action, and Impact: Leadership in Higher Ed IT
Fri Jan 30 2026
In this episode of the Campus Technology Insider Podcast, Rhea Kelly, Editor-in-Chief of Campus Technology, dives into leadership in higher education IT with Sean McDonald, president of MOR Associates. They discuss defining leadership, the major challenges for leaders today, including complexity and prioritization, and how AI is shaping the future of higher ed. Sean shares his insights on creating a culture of shared governance, fostering diverse perspectives, and the importance of strategic thinking.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:26 Sean McDonald's Background and Work
01:11 Defining Leadership in Higher Education
03:17 Challenges for Leaders in Higher Education
03:54 Complexity and Focus in Higher Ed IT
06:51 Strategic Thinking and Leadership
10:11 Shared Governance and Change Management
13:40 Impact of AI on Leadership
16:53 Overcoming Leadership Challenges
22:26 Practical Leadership Tips and Coaching
25:09 Final Advice for Aspiring Leaders
27:10 Conclusion and Podcast Sign-off
Resource links:
MOR Associates Five Forces model Music: Mixkit
Duration: 28 minutes
Transcript (coming soon)
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In this episode of the Campus Technology Insider Podcast, Rhea Kelly, Editor-in-Chief of Campus Technology, dives into leadership in higher education IT with Sean McDonald, president of MOR Associates. They discuss defining leadership, the major challenges for leaders today, including complexity and prioritization, and how AI is shaping the future of higher ed. Sean shares his insights on creating a culture of shared governance, fostering diverse perspectives, and the importance of strategic thinking. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:26 Sean McDonald's Background and Work 01:11 Defining Leadership in Higher Education 03:17 Challenges for Leaders in Higher Education 03:54 Complexity and Focus in Higher Ed IT 06:51 Strategic Thinking and Leadership 10:11 Shared Governance and Change Management 13:40 Impact of AI on Leadership 16:53 Overcoming Leadership Challenges 22:26 Practical Leadership Tips and Coaching 25:09 Final Advice for Aspiring Leaders 27:10 Conclusion and Podcast Sign-off Resource links: MOR Associates Five Forces model Music: Mixkit Duration: 28 minutes Transcript (coming soon)