College President Urges Renewed Focus on Workforce-Aligned Learning and the Power of Simplicity in Strategy
NEWTON, NJ / ACCESS Newswire / October 3, 2025 / Dr. Jon Connolly, a seasoned higher education leader and scientist, was recently featured in a wide-ranging and thought-provoking interview where he opened up about productivity, leadership, and his lifelong commitment to creating student-first educational environments. Drawing from decades of experience across colleges in Maine, Texas, and New Jersey, Connolly is now using his platform to advocate for accessible, industry-connected education-and for leaders across all sectors to rethink how we define progress.
"We're at a turning point," said Connolly in the interview. "Traditional degrees and hands-on training shouldn't be seen as separate paths. We need to braid them together in a way that prepares people not just for jobs - but for life."
Connolly has long championed programs that serve real community needs-whether it's helping to build a sustainable farm and culinary institute, launching a lineman training program, or developing second campuses. In the interview, he reflects on both triumphs and missteps..
A Call for Practical, Purpose-Driven Education
Connolly is urging educators, employers, and policymakers alike to center their focus on workforce-aligned learning models, especially in rural and underserved regions. His experience mirrors a growing national need:
62% of U.S. employers say graduates lack real-world skills.
Over 6 million skilled trades jobs are expected to go unfilled in the next decade.
In rural areas, only 29% of adults hold associate degrees or higher, according to the USDA.
Yet rather than pointing fingers, Connolly emphasizes practical solutions. He encourages others to engage in "small acts with big impact," like sponsoring a course, mentoring students, or just listening better.
"Ideas don't come to life in isolation," he said. "They come to life when we build systems - together - that outlast any one leader."
He also discussed his "one-page strategy rule," insisting that clarity in vision matters more than volume.
"If a strategic plan can't fit on one page, it won't stick. People need to remember the direction - not dig through a binder. You cannot measure everything, so measure only what is most important. The reason to measure is because that which gets measured, gets done."
What You Can Do
This isn't just about higher education-it's about how we all lead. Connolly's reflections invite readers to:
Write down ideas daily to stay accountable and creative
Keep strategy simple and actionable
Listen first, then build
Engage with local schools, technical institutes, or community programs to share knowledge or mentorship
"Education can transform lives-but only if we meet people where they are," Connolly said.
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Dr. Jon Connolly
Dr. Connolly is a biologist, educator, small business owner and former college president with decades of leadership experience in higher education. He holds degrees from Colby College, Yale University, and the University of Maine. He is widely known for developing innovative programs that connect education to community needs.
Contact:
SOURCE: Jon Connolly Sussex
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