Educators and engineers approach problems in very different ways. Educators often experiment without attention to detail, causing plans to fall apart. Engineers make a point of diving deep, leading to structures that most often work as intended. Colleges and universities are some of the most complex organizations ever created. Many educators do not study problems from the ground up and simply adapt the latest ideas in their institutions under the guise of implementing best practice. Rather…
Reciprocity over Hierarchy: Designing and Implementing a Student-Led Reverse Mentoring Program
Many academic leaders, including administrators and faculty members, participate in traditional mentoring programs that prioritize hierarchy. But these programs typically don’t foster engagement and connection between students and faculty or
Marquita Lyons-Smith and Keva Suitte
October 19, 2026
