Foremost an educator, Howell is passionate about and invested in transforming students’ lives through education. As Chief Development Officer (AU), she plans, builds and launches online degree programs and divisions with university partners.
Howell leads a team that evaluates potential degree programs, assesses institutional readiness for online learning and enrolment growth scale, project manages each of Keypath’s functional areas and works to maintain robust relationships with partner institutions through the account management of these services.
What do you bring to 91Ö±²¥as Chief Development Officer, APAC?
I spend a large portion of my time visiting universities, working closely with university senior leaders, faculty and staff on a daily basis. Our university partners trust us to be representatives of the university – extensions of their brand, mission, culture and staff – and our team brings a wealth of higher education consulting and tactical knowledge to the partnership that will help our universities grow. It is my job to make sure our partners are adapting and thriving, ultimately better positioned to serve students and their university communities for years to come.
How do you measure your success?
My vision of success has been shaped by the challenges I’ve faced as a student, educator and professional. Some of the greatest challenges (as well as opportunities) of my job include managing client expectations, bridging university silos, ushering timely change management at universities and responding to the increasingly competitive online program marketplace. Delivering an amazing student educational experience is key; this becomes easier when the university has a clear strategic vision and strong leadership. If not, I – along with the account team – create a strategy and assist execution through a collective desire to deliver success for all parties.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learned in business?
No fire alarms! In other words, we should be creating a business and proactive environment where we are not surprised. At a high-level, this translates into understanding and studying our data, making informed predictions, supporting the right people in their roles with guideposts and milestones to guide them – and knowing our clients and partners so well that we are proactive, rather than reactive.
What excites you about higher education?
The higher education landscape is in flux, not only disrupted by technical innovations but also scrambling to meet workforce and employer needs with legacy academic programs and curriculum. This is why I signed up to 91Ö±²¥â€“  we’re passionate about helping university partners adapt and innovate to meet student and societal needs. I, as well as the many university administrators I encounter, are energized by learning solutions that advance emerging professional and industry skills, better equipping students for career success and life-long learning. The challenge is how to best adapt, close the skills gap… and to do it quickly.
What’s the one hobby you couldn’t live without?
Travelling (or the opportunity to get out of town)