Leading with Purpose: Shannon McCarty on Innovation in Higher Education
Sep 03, 2025
What drives real innovation in higher education? For Dr. Shannon McCarty, Vice President of Learning and Instruction at Calbright College, the answer is clear: it all comes back to purpose.
In part two of our Engaged by Design conversation with Shannon, she reflects on her leadership journey and the mentors who shaped her path. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, feedback, and even humor as tools for creating strong, resilient teams. For Shannon, leading innovation is not about adopting every new technology, but about keeping people centered, culture strong, and purpose clear.
Highlights from our discussion include:
- Why leaders need to know their purpose and let it guide every decision.
- How a small but mighty team at Calbright uses shared values to drive change.
- The role of AI in teaching, assessment, and tutoring, and why timing matters more than novelty.
- The growing importance of durable skills like communication and problem-solving in general education.
Shannon reminds us that innovation without purpose risks being trendy rather than transformational. By staying true to mission and values, leaders can navigate ambiguity while building cultures of trust and progress.
Reflection Question for You:
How does your sense of purpose shape the way you lead innovation in your institution?
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