by Brian Saunders
With two decades of experience in higher education and ed tech, I’ve seen firsthand how universities have evolved in their approach to growth and innovation. From my early work with international ed tech and online program management (OPM) companies to my current role at Elsmere Education, one truth remains clear: building and enhancing institutional capacity is key to a university’s success.
Today’s universities are balancing technological advancements, diverse student needs, and the pursuit of enrollment growth. Strategic partnerships with specialized service providers offer a powerful way to enhance institutional capacity and drive sustainable impact. These collaborations deliver tailored expertise, resources, and support, enabling universities to streamline operations, enrich the student experience, and secure long-term growth.
As online education continues to grow, institutions must adapt not only in their course offerings but also in managing resources, infrastructure, and strategic alliances. While the concept of capacity building within these partnerships is often overlooked or misinterpreted, it is, in fact, a crucial element for addressing today’s challenges and ensuring enduring success.
Capacity Building: Beyond the Buzzword
The recent CHLOE 9 report highlights a growing recognition among universities of the need to strengthen their internal capacity for online education. Strategic partnerships offer a solution by providing access to specialized knowledge, allowing universities to scale operations efficiently, and delivering strong online programs without straining internal resources. Effective capacity building means not just adding resources, but strategically leveraging them to achieve educational goals.
It’s important to note that capacity building is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It should be customized to each institution’s specific needs. For instance, institutions with high online enrollment may need advanced technological tools and extensive faculty development, while smaller institutions might focus on foundational digital infrastructure and support services. A strategic partner who understands these nuances can help tailor capacity-building efforts to achieve the best outcomes.
Transparency and Accountability
While capacity building is crucial, it is not the only factor that determines the success of a strategic partnership. Transparency and accountability are equally important. Universities must ensure that their partners are transparent in their operations, providing clear insights into how resources are being used and what results are being achieved.
The CHLOE 9 report highlights a growing concern among Chief Online Learning Officers (COLOs) regarding the oversight of third-party service providers and OPM companies. This concern is not unfounded. Without proper oversight, there is a risk that these partnerships could lead to misaligned priorities, wasted resources, or even reputational damage.
To mitigate these risks, universities should establish clear metrics for success at the outset of any partnership. These metrics should be aligned with the institution’s strategic goals and should be used to regularly evaluate the performance of the partner. Moreover, universities should insist on transparency in all aspects of the partnership, from financial arrangements to the specific roles and responsibilities of each party.
The Future of University-Partner Collaboration
As we look to the future, the role of strategic partnerships in higher education will only grow in importance. The ability to adapt quickly to changing market demands, scale programs efficiently, and maintain high standards of quality will be the hallmarks of successful institutions. Partnerships that emphasize capacity building, transparency, and accountability will be key to achieving these goals.
However, universities must approach these partnerships with a clear strategy and a commitment to continuous improvement. This means not only selecting the right partners but also ensuring that these partners are fully integrated into the institution’s long-term vision.
At Elsmere Education, we are dedicated to helping universities strengthen their internal capabilities to achieve success and drive innovation. We believe that strategic partnerships are more than just outsourcing; they are about fostering collaborative relationships that enhance quality and lead to better outcomes for both students and institutions.
For university leaders ready to discover how strategic partnerships can enhance their institutional effectiveness and support long-term success, we invite you to connect with us at Elsmere Education. Let us assist you in building the capabilities needed to excel today and into the future.
Contact us today to learn how Elsmere Education can help your institution build internal capacity and grow a better way.
About Brian
Brian Saunders has over 20 years of experience in ed tech and higher education. He has collaborated with over 50 colleges and universities globally, driving new partner acquisition and cross-functional teams. As SVP of University Partnerships at Elsmere Education, Brian builds successful partnerships for degree programs and EPaaS solutions. He holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Blackburn College and resides in Chicagoland, enjoying family time, fishing, and youth sports.
