P3: Power in Partnerships

At the Provost’s suggestion, today, I am at the P3 EDU conference in Denver. Public-private partnerships have had my attention for a long time. This is a continuation of the partnership theme I experienced last week with the Chamber. The stories and examples are inspirational. I am learning a lot and am encouraged about how well we are positioned for success. Success through partnerships seems to be everywhere I turn the last few weeks. And our stakeholders’ willingness, even excitement, to partner with us is noticeable.

A few years ago, I learned of the P4 idea that Deborah Spake, Dean at Kent State, was developing. She then utilized it to create the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship. For Deborah, P4 is Public Private Partnership with Philanthropy. It creates alignment and has been the impetus for more good things since. I had a high-level meeting with my previous University leadership to kick one off pre-covid. Then, the pandemic. Now I’m here and look forward to seeing what we can do. I know we are positioned for success.

The partnership ethos is everywhere at CofC, and in Charleston, if you take a few minutes to notice. We are partnering internally in the School, we are partnering across campus, and externally. There’s a realization that we are in this together. Partnerships are key to a P3 or P4, but they will also be critical for our future.

Earlier this week, Carrie shared this article, and I found it quite insightful. I think you will as well. It’s brutally candid.

Higher Ed’s Ruinous Resistance to Change (chronicle.com)

Partnerships will help us navigate the uncertainty and the changes. They can make sure we keep our eye on the target – even if it moves. And, done right, partnerships are rewarding. I’m sure you’ve experienced that first hand.

This week, take a few minutes to notice the partnerships that are important to you. Are there others you should be pursuing as well? The goal is not to establish a thousand partnerships, but to have meaningful ones where everyone succeeds.

We are in this together, and together we are better.

Ponder this…