S3 - E10 - President Mark Milliron and Dr. Angela Baldasare - The Unlikely Culture Builder: Using ‘Operating Reviews’ to Drive Student Success (Culture)

Building a culture of student success doesn’t happen by chance, it requires focus, discipline, and shared accountability. In this episode, we explore how National University uses Quarterly Operating Reviews (QORs) as a powerful, and often overlooked, culture-building practice.

Based on the their write-up in ASCEND To Higher Retention Rates (Vol. 3), “The Unlikely Culture Builder: Using Operating Reviews to Drive Student Success,” this conversation highlights how structured, data-informed reviews align leaders around strategy, create a shared language for student success, and foster collaboration without blame. Listeners will hear how the simple rhythm of “get grounded, get real, get going” keeps student outcomes front and center while turning insight into action.

A practical listen for higher education leaders looking to build a strong culture of alignment, accountability, and a sustained focus on student success.