Cesar Santalo, Dean of the College of Communications and Design at Lynn University, shares how he applies design thinking to drive innovation and change in higher education.
The interview provides insights into how design thinking can transform universities to meet future demands through empathy, experimentation, and engaging all stakeholders in the process of innovation. Cesar's unique background as an artist/designer is leveraged to inject fresh thinking into academia.
Overview
The core principles of design thinking he discusses include:
He provides examples of design thinking's successful implementation at Lynn, including:
Cesar emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement, collaboration across disciplines, and creating job-ready graduates through practical learning experiences and internships.
Key Takeaways for Higher Ed Leaders:
Read the podcast transcript on our website \u2192
About Our Podcast Guest
Cesar Santalo, Dean of the College of Communication and Design, is an award-winning visual communications professional, artist, animator, and educator with over 20 years of experience. He has taught at prestigious institutions such as Miami Dade College, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and the University of Miami, covering subjects ranging from traditional and digital drawing to project budgeting and advanced animation.\xa0
Santalo's impressive portfolio includes collaborations with Telemundo/NBC Universal on the Quibi project, as well as roles at Univision, where he served as art director for corporate marketing, promotions, and digital content. His artistic contributions have graced live performances for the Latin Grammy's, Premio Lo Nuestro, and renowned artists like Calle 13, Carlos Vives, Cirque du Soleil, and Marc Anthony. Santalo's pursuit of a doctorate at St. Thomas University and his Six Sigma Green Belt certification demonstrate his commitment to continuous improvement.
Cesar Santalo on LinkedIn \u2192
About the Host
Dr. Drumm McNaughton is a higher education consultant specializing in governance, accreditation, strategic planning, change management, and mergers. To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm\u2019s website: https://changinghighered.com/.
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