President Hrabowski Case Study: UMBC Leadership

1. A higher education president is a multi-faceted role. President Hrabowski is innovative and commands transformational leadership that brings the University together to articulate an educational direction and vision. Tasked with UMBC leadership, President Hrabowski achieves policies which creates ethical framework and procedures for fostering continuous improvement to attract top ranked students. President Hrabowski is the steward for his UMBC vision of success for all persons to achieve. He has created accessibility for students interested in working toward degrees and careers in STEM among minority and low-income students. President Hrabowski sought to protect UMBC strengths and pursued opportunities with philanthropists to flourish his vision.
2. Financial contributions should not shape UMBC or any university. It is true a university should look ahead for coming trends and opportunities for every sector. Donors and industry partnerships contributions should align with the UMBC mission, goals, and values. Cultivating
relationships allow for industry connections to understand university needs and how that particular industry can best be of service. Trying determine what is considered good or bad money is a potential risk. Their gift reflected the donor’s vision, Freeman Hrabowski’s capabilities, and the University’s commitment to minority education.
3.
In the case study, President Hrabowski did not respond to Professor Grubb. Leadership is about adapting to various personalities and individuals who may not bring the most positive vision. I am surprised President Hrabowski did not attempt to engage with Professor Grubb on a private rooftop tour to discuss his concerns. It is important to address Professor Grubb in a conversation to cultivate a collaborative relationship. The world is becoming increasingly more dependent on technology and universities are compelled to serve the economy. Accessing support for soft sciences is usually acquired through donor relationship who recognize the importance of their support in preserving student interest. Professor Grubb and President Hrabowski should collective identify potential donors to to increase research and enrollment among the liberal arts and humanities. How we interact with colleague can predict the end result of our
vision.
4. Prospective students look for universities that mirror their values. Universities that represent a diverse institute of learning that nurture and respect a variety of perspectives. Leveraging the strengths of STEM, while balancing all university disciplines is the challenge for UMBC. Engage prospective students for intellectual and social development across a multitude of opportunities. Clear, down-to-earth communication is important to describe UMBC. Look to other universities for best practices and how to benchmark results.
5. It is important to understand the needs of millennial generation college students. Targeting their interests and how to connect with their general perception of universities. Academically millennials have often been described as pressured and hyper-focused on achievement, they also frequently experience increased stress and feelings of being overwhelmed. Learning to communicate with a generation knowing the issues and challenges are most important to them. Also, social/relational issues, such as overprotective and controlling parents, may inhibit individuation and independent action to consider when marketing programs.
6. I would contact President Hrabowski by telephone and follow up by email. I would explain my position as Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement, UMBC alumni, and would like to meet with him for guidance. It is possible President Hrabowski might decline the meeting citing competitor conflict of interest. However, if President Hrabowski did accept the meeting I would not mention the family connection. I would prepare a small list of questions regarding leadership and cultivating relationships with philanthropists, research, alumni, and faculty. Explaining the position I have and simply asking for his advice, then see where the conversation develops. I would be having a meeting with President Hrabowski not interviewing him. I would want to establish a genuine relationship with President Hrabowski.