In this episode, President Michael Hammond of Gordon College shares his unconventional path into higher education leadership. His journey was not the result of a set career plan, but rather a desire to combine intellectual inquiry with meaningful community engagement.

He reflects on Gordon’s founding mission to provide education to marginalized individuals and to integrate Christian service with rigorous academic and professional preparation. As he discusses the current challenges facing Christian higher education, including the demographic cliff and evolving job markets, President Hammond emphasizes the importance of innovation, adaptability, and a clear Christian identity. He also highlights the value of giving faculty and deans greater autonomy to lead program development.

Throughout the conversation, he speaks to the importance of trust, collaborative leadership, and in-person connection in building a strong campus culture. He closes with optimism, believing institutions that offer both moral grounding and professional excellence will continue to be relevant. He also shares how the principle of “Unreasonable Hospitality” shapes his leadership, encouraging a culture of empathy, generosity, and care.

This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education

About Viv Higher Education

Viv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.
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