Institutional Strategy

Mackinac Roundtable on Talent

This exclusive gathering brings together Michigan’s independent college presidents and corporate leaders to align educational outcomes with the evolving needs of the modern workforce.

Dates & Location

June 28–30, 2026

Mackinac Island, MI

Man in glasses raising his hand during a seminar, seated among other attentive audience members.

Details

Solving today’s student connection challenges requires institutional strategy that extends beyond campus boundaries and into the professional world. The Mackinac Roundtable creates space for higher education and industry leaders to examine how colleges can better align academic identity, workforce readiness, and regional economic needs.

At the event, Carnegie will contribute perspectives on institutional positioning, market intelligence, and sustainable growth strategies that help institutions reflect the real-world value students are seeking. Through stronger partnerships between education and industry, leaders can build clearer pathways for student success while supporting the long-term health of Michigan’s talent pipeline.

Sessions

Uncovering Distinction: Institutional Identity and Your Value Proposition

Monday, June 29
Speakers: Joe Master, Carnegie; Eric Page, Carnegie

Institutional identity is foundational to sustainable distinction. In this psychographic-based archetypes workshop, leaders will examine the fundamental personality of their college or university—where it stands today, what it aspires to become, and what it must avoid becoming. Participants will explore how institutional storytelling can be strengthened through archetype clarity and consider how personality misalignment can dilute institutional value proposition.

Career Readiness and the Student Experience

Monday, June 29
Discussion Leader: Joretta Nelson, Carnegie
Panelists: Frank Shushok, Roanoke College; Lillian Schumacher, Tiffin University; Robert McMahan, Kettering University

College-to-career readiness is increasingly central to institutional value proposition. How do you know that you are delivering on that brand promise to students? In this session, you’ll hear from student success experts and higher education leaders on integrating career readiness into the student experience as an institutional differentiator.

Aligning Institutional Strategy & Brand Strategy for ROI Impact

Tuesday, June 30
Speakers: Emma Jones, Carnegie; Joe Master, Carnegie

In an ROI environment, strategy and storytelling go hand-in-hand. But institutional strategy and brand strategy are often siloed and disconnected. When integrated, they can create powerful alignment across an institution. This interactive session will explore how maximizing the internal and external intersections of institutional strategy and brand strategy can build institutional momentum, improve leadership decision-making, and drive lasting impact.