Join host Melissa Morriss-Olson for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Rhona C. Free, president of the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut. As the first non-Catholic president of this Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Dr. Free has transformed USJ into what the Carnegie Foundation recently recognized as an "opportunity college"—one of only 16% of institutions nationwide that successfully combines high access for diverse students with high post-graduation earnings.
In this episode, Dr. Free shares her remarkable journey from first-generation college student and immigrant to transformational university president. Her unique background as an economist trained in both radical social justice economics and traditional market analysis has shaped her approach to institutional leadership, combining strategic decision-making with unwavering values.
Listeners will discover how Dr. Free navigated the historic 2018 transition from women's college to coeducational institution, including the data-driven analysis that informed this pivotal decision and the comprehensive strategy that ensured its success. She reveals the fascinating story behind recruiting legendary UConn basketball coach Jim Calhoun and explains how strategic investment in athletics complemented rather than competed with academic excellence.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Free demonstrates what colleagues describe as her "calm and steady" leadership style, rooted in thorough consultation, deliberate decision-making, and her grandmother's wisdom that "an ounce of performance is worth a pound of preaching." She discusses how her economics training helps her understand institutional behaviors and student motivations while maintaining focus on creating opportunities for those who might otherwise be overlooked.
The episode explores themes of values-based leadership, strategic transformation, the intersection of mission and financial sustainability, and the profound impact of believing in student potential regardless of background. Dr. Free's insights offer valuable lessons for anyone interested in educational leadership, institutional change management, or creating equity in higher education.
Key topics include the founding mission and current culture of USJ, the role of athletics in institutional transformation, navigating controversy through consultation and transparency, applying economic principles to educational leadership, creating scholarship programs that expand access, and maintaining personal grounding through family support and daily practices like running.
This conversation illuminates how effective leadership combines strategic thinking with genuine care for others, demonstrating that institutions can be both mission-driven and financially successful when guided by leaders who understand that investing in people creates the highest returns.
About Dr. Rhona C. Free: Dr. Free serves as president of the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut. She holds advanced degrees in economics and previously served in leadership roles at Eastern Connecticut State University. Under her leadership, USJ has been recognized as Connecticut's only "opportunity college" by the Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education.
About Ingenious U: Ingenious U explores the stories and strategies of higher education's most innovative leaders, examining how they navigate challenges, drive transformation, and create lasting impact in theirinstitutions and communities.