The EdUp Experience Why This President Says 'Lead as if You'll Be There Forever' (Even if You Won't) - with Dr. Roger Parrot, President, Belhaven University
Nov 6, 2025
Dr. Roger Parrott, a 30-year university president from Belhaven University, shares insights into innovative leadership and education. He discusses the impact of offering free master’s degrees to undergraduates and how it saves families money. With a radical approach to decision-making, he eliminates committees, making choices in just 45 minutes. Parrott emphasizes the importance of faith integration in education and suggests that institutions should focus on capturing opportunities rather than rigid planning.
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45-Minute Approval For Data Science Master's
- A dean pitched an online master's of data science and after a 45-minute meeting Dr. Parrott approved it on the spot.
- The dean said his prior institution stalled in committees and missed the market opportunity.
Micro-Targeting Beats Mass Strategies
- Growth requires micro-targeted marketing to distinct student segments like arts, athletes, and adult learners.
- A single mass strategy no longer moves the dial for modern learners.
Scale Online With A Broad, Low-Cost Menu
- Price online master's degrees attractively and build a broad menu to scale enrollments.
- Offer many degrees rather than a tentative two or three to lower acquisition cost per student.