The business of higher education has been turned on its head. Still coping with the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, university and college leadership are being forced to reinvent how their institutions function going forward. Everything has to be examined including course curriculum, recruitment and enrollment strategies, technology implementation and training, and strategic partnerships with other institutions and associations.
Fierce Education is highlighting those higher education leaders that are rethinking their business models so we can spotlight their vision and help others through these challenging times.
Fierce Education Leader:
Dr. Joe Sallustio, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
Affiliation:
Claremont Lincoln University (CLU)
Being a Fierce Education Leader:
Dr. Joe Sallustio has led the transformation of Claremont Lincoln University from an institution with a limited future to a nimble start-up graduate institution with more than 300 students today, a growth factor of more than 2,000%. Besides creating the entire operational infrastructure from scratch, including all of the marketing, enrollment, and financial aid initiatives, Dr. Sallustio has led CLU’s business to business efforts as well. In the last year, the university has moved from just a few partnerships to more than 30 formal partnerships to help expand enrollment and solidify long-term sustainability.
Under Dr. Sallustio's leadership, CLU won the 2019 American Marketing Association Higher Education Team of the Year award for its innovative marketing techniques and rapid enrollment expansion.
As a consequence of enrollment growth, CLU was able to increase tuition revenue by 400% from 2018-2019, and 100% from 2019-2020. He led the state by state authorization efforts allowing for enrollment in 45 states in 2021 versus 11 states in 2018.
Also, Dr. Sallustio led CLU’s effort to trademark "socially conscious education" before recent social unrest crystallized the need for more social awareness. In 2019, he led the effort to reimagine admissions requirements at CLU to expand access to serve a more diverse student population.
Further, he was the catalyst for CLU’s transition from quarterly to monthly starts, beginning in 2020, to ensure CLU was well-positioned to serve the adult student population looking to elevate their leadership skills.
Dr. Sallustio launched and produces the university’s podcast, called "Leaders Who Learn", which has also bolstered the CLU brand. He is dedicated to the importance of being aware of the intersections of innovation, technology, and innovation.
To nominate a Fierce Education Leader, go to: