Rethinking Student Services for a New Era of Higher Education

Joseph Granado, Vice President of Student Services, Midland College

Joseph Granado, Vice President of Student Services, Midland College

Joseph Granado brings a diverse background in higher education, international learning and student development as vice president of student services at Midland College. His experience spans Massachusetts Institute of Technology, international education programs in Greece and Malaysia and leadership roles across student affairs. Granado specializes in developing comprehensive programs supporting students from entry to graduation. At Midland College, he oversees the full student journey, including outreach, admissions, advising, student life and mental health services.

Navigating Access and Affordability Challenges

I see the challenges in student services today as two-pronged, impacting both the student experience and the employee experience.

On the student side, access to higher education is one of the most pressing challenges facing student services today. Rising tuition costs, changes in financial aid policies, and increasing living expenses are placing significant pressure on students, particularly within the community college system. Many students are required to take on additional work or financial responsibilities while pursuing their education, which creates barriers to persistence and completion.

Recent policy shifts, including changes in financial aid distribution and limitations on funding support, have further complicated the student experience. For some students, financial aid previously helped cover essential living expenses such as housing, childcare, and food. With these supports evolving, institutions are now tasked with helping students navigate these gaps while continuing their education.

At the same time, I see the broader higher education landscape undergoing structural change. The rise of alternative credentials and workforce-driven programs is challenging traditional degree pathways. Employers are increasingly valuing skills and certifications over conventional degrees, which are pushing institutions to clearly demonstrate the tangible value of higher education. This shift is also contributing to the closure of smaller institutions that are unable to adapt to changing workforce demands.

Addressing Workforce and Talent Retention in Student Services

Beyond student-facing challenges, I also see a parallel issue within the employee experience. Student services roles are often under-recognized despite their critical impact on student success. This has led to ongoing challenges in talent retention, as professionals leave the field for more competitive opportunities.

High turnover within student services teams creates a ripple effect. Constant staff changes impact continuity, require repeated training and can reduce overall student satisfaction. Organizations may struggle to maintain momentum when institutional knowledge is lost.

“The future of student services lies in creating flexible, student-centered systems that integrate academic support, career readiness, and holistic wellbeing.”

To address this, I place strong emphasis on investing in staff development and leadership alignment. My leadership approach draws from transformational leadership principles, focusing on mentorship, skill development, and creating opportunities for professional growth. At Midland College, we have implemented leadership development initiatives based on John Maxwell’s 360 Leader frameworks to foster collaboration and continuous improvement across teams.

Leveraging Technology to Enhance Student Services

Technology is playing an increasingly critical role in shaping the future of student services. The adoption of artificial intelligence and generative tools is becoming more prominent across institutions. These technologies help streamline administrative processes, improve efficiency, and allow staff to focus on higher-value interactions with students.

One practical application I am exploring is the use of AI tools to identify fraudulent or bot-generated applications. As application volumes increase, these tools help ensure that staff time is dedicated to genuine applicants, improving both efficiency and service quality.

Beyond operational improvements, I am also seeing a shift in student expectations. Today’s learners are seeking faster and more flexible pathways to employment, often preferring credentials that allow them to enter the workforce quickly with minimal debt. This trend is driving the expansion of dual enrollment programs and alternative learning pathways, enabling students to begin earning credits and credentials earlier in their academic journey.

Driving Alignment through Data and Stakeholder Collaboration

When implementing student-focused initiatives, I ensure alignment across multiple stakeholders, including faculty, administration, students and families. I approach this by focusing on sustainability and data-driven decision-making. Before launching new programs, I evaluate both financial feasibility and the availability of skilled personnel to ensure long-term success.

Data plays a central role in my decision-making process. I rely on institutional data, student feedback, and focus groups to identify unmet needs and measure program effectiveness. By grounding decisions in evidence, I aim to implement initiatives that deliver meaningful outcomes.

Equally important is stakeholder engagement. I strongly advocate for involving students directly in shaping programs so their voices guide institutional priorities. I also recognize the role of families, particularly in understanding financial considerations and supporting informed decision-making around education pathways. When I stay grounded in the ‘why’ behind this work, it becomes easier to navigate change while continuing to deliver meaningful impact for students.

This philosophy defines my leadership approach. In a constantly evolving education landscape, staying connected to the purpose of student success provides the clarity needed to navigate policy changes, institutional shifts, and emerging challenges.

Preparing for the Future of Student Services

Moving forward, I believe student services will continue to evolve alongside changing student expectations and workforce demands. Institutions will need to balance affordability, accessibility, and relevance while embracing technology and innovation.

The future of student services lies in creating flexible, student-centered systems that integrate academic support, career readiness, and holistic wellbeing. By aligning institutional strategies with real-world outcomes and leveraging data to inform decisions, colleges can better support students in achieving long-term success.

Through my work at Midland College, I remain focused on prioritizing access and alignment. Combining human-centered support with technological innovation is essential to redefining how institutions serve students in an increasingly complex and dynamic environment.