Q&A with President Lynne Coy-Ogan

As you look forward from this moment in time for Husson and for higher education in general, what are you thinking about and what do you hope for?

Lynne Coy-Ogan: At Husson, our focus on professional degrees and experiential learning has been a long-standing differentiator in the higher education marketplace. As we move forward, I will continue to prioritize high-quality, market-responsive academic programs with a strong focus on experiential learning and innovative technologies to continue to serve our primary market in Maine and New England. Yet we also must be committed to developing a national presence for the Husson agenda of providing comprehensive educational opportunities which address a lifetime of professional and personal success. 

Experiential learning is a hallmark of a Husson education. How do you see that growing and changing in the coming years?

Lynne Coy-Ogan: Experiential learning provides experiences for students to apply educational knowledge and skills to real-life professional opportunities that enhance the student learning process. This process allows students to practice and develop important critical learning skills with real-life world scenarios. As Husson has continued to invest in advanced technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, these technologies can further simulate real world experiences in ways that provide students with customized learning and deeper instructional connections. Artificial intelligence and virtual reality are tools that allow our students a highly interactive learning experience rather than just reading about professional experiences in their career field. Students get to make decisions and receive immediate feedback about their performance in the classroom.

Husson has invested in some notable technology in recent years including the new Apple Vision Pros used in the iEX Center and HAL, the AI manikin in the Simulation Education Center. What’s next? And will Husson continue to be on the cutting edge of technology in learning? 

Lynne Coy-Ogan: As we move forward, Husson will be developing a pipeline of innovative ideas that create continued progressive and engaging learning experiences to position Husson for future success. Our recent investments in the iEX Center and in our new AI manikin demonstrate this continued commitment, and ensure that these cutting edge technologies will be incorporated into future student learning experiences here at Husson.

What are your top priorities as president of Husson?

Lynne Coy-Ogan: Prioritizing Husson’s long standing mission, culture and values, while leading this change necessary to respond to the dramatic shifts in the higher education landscape will be a top priority for my presidential agenda. I will be working with campus stakeholders to develop a new five year strategic and financial plan that will chart a future course to vibrant new opportunities which promote educational excellence, enhance student experiences, and develop long term financial stability.

Changing leadership can mean change for an institution. What can people expect from your first few months or year in office?

Lynne Coy-Ogan: Even though I’m beginning my 20th year as an administrator at Husson, moving from the role of Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost to the role of President is a significant change, both for the campus community and for me personally. President Clark served for over 15 years and President Beardsley before him for over two decades. So in my first 90 days, I’ll be holding a series of listening sessions for each department across campus so that stakeholders have the opportunity to share their own ideas and concerns with me. It will be especially important as we begin a five year strategic planning and financial process that will help shape Husson’s future moving forward.

You are part of a wave of female educators taking the helm of higher education institutions, in many cases — including at Husson — as the first woman president. What does that mean to you?

Lynne Coy-Ogan: I’m inspired by Husson’s rich history and humbled to have been selected as the first female president of Husson in its 125 year history. Higher education has more work to do to achieve gender parity, especially among senior leadership positions. But I certainly hope my presidential appointment inspires a future generation of female leaders.

At the recent Women in Business conference here at Husson, you spoke about the importance of mentors in your life and career. How have your mentors helped you shape yourself as a leader and a mentor to others?

Lynne Coy-Ogan: Throughout my career, I’ve been extremely blessed to have several outstanding mentors whose advice and guidance have shaped my professional career. Having a few trusted advisors who you admire and respect is a great professional development opportunity. I always make sure to seek out that advice from my mentors when I have important professional decisions to make. Investing time and developing a strong professional network, and also being willing to serve as a mentor to others myself, will continue to be a professional priority as I transition to the role of president at Husson University.

Is there anything else you want the alumni of Husson, or the Husson community to know as you embark on your presidency?

Lynne Coy-Ogan: As I begin my new position as the seventh president of Husson, I would like the Husson community to know how humbled and honored I am to have the opportunity to be your leader, to work to navigate Husson’s future moving forward and to continue to develop a highly collaborative educational environment that’s invested in student success for years to come.