Dear friends and supporters of SNHU, This issue of The Extra Mile looks at the hottest topic in higher education today: innovation. Everywhere in higher education there is talk of innovation and a need to better respond to its high cost, the needs of employers, demands for more accountability, and new ways to deliver teaching and learning. More often than not, SNHU is mentioned as a leading innovator. Commentators often mention our: • Groundbreaking three-year degree program, now in its 14th year and the subject of an important new book. • Online programs, now the largest in New England. • College Unbound, with its experiential learning approach. • SNHU Advantage, which reduces the cost of the first two years by 60 percent.
Most recently, our experimental Pathways Program, a self-guided two-year online degree, has been named a finalist for a Gates Foundation and EDUCAUSE Next generation Learning Grant. This long and ongoing tradition of innovation has culminated in Fast Company magazine naming us No. 12 in its “World’s Most Innovative Companies List,” the only university included among the likes of Apple and Google. Many of you took note of this prestigious honor and we have had a parade of visitors and invitations to present since the March issue of the magazine appeared on newsstands. I remind people all the time that creating a culture of innovation focused on how to better serve students requires talented people across the university, an incessant questioning of how we can do better, and a willingness to try new things that is rare in higher education. It starts at the board level, where trustee Clay Christensen provides a theory for innovation, and extends to every faculty and staff person who asks the question, “I wonder if this would work?” when thinking about our students’ needs. I am proud of everyone that has contributed to making this the place that so many others watch and emulate. Sincerely,
Paul J. LeBlanc President
Follow the president at his weblog at http://blogging.snhu.edu/leblanc