Author’s Note
In recent months, I have found myself increasingly captivated by the unique trajectory of Unity Environmental University under the leadership of Dr. Melik Peter Khoury. Through listening to podcasts and reading posts on LinkedIn, I have come to appreciate the innovative approach Dr. Khoury has taken to transform Unity, a small institution in Maine, into a model for flexibility, sustainability, and student-centric education. Unity’s success is truly an outlier in the vast landscape of higher education institutions, where meaningful transformation often encounters significant structural and cultural resistance.
Unity serves as an excellent case study that demonstrates many of the points I have discussed in my article, “Tradition to Transformation: The Need and Urgency in Navigating Change in Higher Education Institutions“. In that article, I argued that while change is inevitable in higher education, it is often profoundly challenging due to the deeply entrenched nature of institutions and the structural, emotional and cultural barriers to innovation. Dr. Khoury’s work at Unity exemplifies both the positive outcomes of a bold, forward-thinking leadership style and the difficulties faced in navigating resistance to change. Unity’s experiences show that even a small institution, often perceived as less agile, can successfully pivot and thrive by embracing adaptive leadership, strategic patience, and a willingness to experiment with new ideas.
While the path Unity has taken is unique to its circumstances, there are valuable lessons here for other institutions. By studying Unity’s journey, we can identify strategies and insights that may help facilitate similar dramatic transformations elsewhere. From fostering a culture that values adaptability and student-centric innovation to understanding the critical role of data-driven decision-making, Unity’s story offers a roadmap that can inspire and guide other institutions aiming to break free from the constraints of tradition and navigate toward a more dynamic and resilient future.
In today’s rapidly evolving higher education landscape, few leaders have been as innovative and slightly controversial as Dr. Melik Peter Khoury, President of Unity Environmental University. Under his leadership, Unity, a small private institution in Maine known for its focus on environmental science, has undergone a significant transformation. These changes, while unique and sometimes contentious, have proven effective, evidenced by a substantial increase in enrollment and a revitalized institutional vision. Dr. Khoury’s approach challenges the entrenched norms of higher education, providing valuable lessons for institutions grappling with the need for innovation in an era of declining enrollments and shifting student preferences.
Innovative Changes and Their Outcomes
Dr. Khoury’s leadership at Unity Environmental University has been marked by bold and strategic decisions that have redefined the institution’s mission and operational model. Among the most significant changes has been the shift from a traditional residential model to a more flexible hybrid and distance education format. This transition, which many deemed risky, has not only stabilized Unity but also led to a significant increase in enrollment—from 800 to over 7,000 students by embracing flexible learning modalities, a growth that has been sustained over the past several years (Khoury, 2023; “Unity Environmental University: A Message from the President,” 2024).
The cornerstone of this transformation is Unity’s enterprise model, which segments the university into different Sustainable Educational Business Units (SEBUs). Each SEBU caters to distinct student demographics—ranging from traditional undergraduates to adult learners seeking specific credentials—allowing Unity to tailor its educational offerings, pricing, and support services to meet the diverse needs of its students (“Innovating the Higher Ed Business Model,” 2024). This differentiated approach avoids the “one-size-fits-all” compromise that often plagues traditional universities and enables Unity to serve various learner profiles more effectively.
Unity’s success in this shift, especially given its focus on environmental sciences—a field traditionally viewed as requiring hands-on, in-person learning—demonstrates the viability of distance education in disciplines previously thought to be incompatible with remote delivery. Through investments in technology and instructional design, Unity has been able to maintain high-quality outcomes, with an impressive 90% of its graduates securing careers upon graduation, and a diverse student body with 50% being first-generation college students and 25% multicultural, a substantial increase from the historical average of 8% (“Unity Environmental University: A Message from the President,” 2024).
The Modern Learner: A New Paradigm
A key component of Unity’s strategy has been its focus on the “modern learner.” This term, coined by Education Dynamics and embraced by Unity, shifts the focus from traditional labels like “adult learner” or “traditional student” to one that captures a wide range of behaviors, preferences, and engagement methods among today’s students. As explained in a recent episode of the EdUp Experience podcast by Joe Sallustio, Vice President of Industry Engagement with Ellucian and Greg Clayton, President of Education Dynamics, “The modern learner is not defined by age but by their engagement preferences and behaviors”. (“Adapting Higher Education to Meet the Diverse Needs of Modern Learners,” 2024). The term encompasses a diverse group of students, including working adults, parents, veterans, and younger high school graduates, all of whom juggle multiple responsibilities while pursuing their education.
Dr. Khoury emphasizes that understanding and addressing the needs of the modern learner was critical to Unity’s evolution: “We found out all of our students, regardless of age, liked the one-course-at-a-time model. When students were able to take a few courses online and a few in person, it was more preferable to the all-or-nothing approach” (“Adapting Higher Education to Meet the Diverse Needs of Modern Learners,” 2024). This insight has allowed Unity to offer differentiated calendars, pedagogy, and tuition based on learner needs, providing flexibility and accessibility that are hallmarks of its modern approach.
Pushback, Resistance, and Controversy: Navigating the Challenges of Substantive Change
Dr. Khoury’s tenure at Unity Environmental University has not been without significant challenges and controversy. The bold transition to a hybrid and distance learning model drew criticism from various stakeholders, with many arguing that it led to the loss of the “soul” of Unity. This sentiment was echoed by alumni and faculty who felt that the school had strayed from its roots as a close-knit, residential college (Curtis, 2020a). The decision to shutter the original 225-acre campus in rural Maine and consolidate operations to a smaller facility in Southern Maine further fueled criticism and concern, particularly among those who believed that the college was abandoning its commitment to a traditional in-person experience (Donahue, B, 2021).
These concerns underscore the structural and cultural walls within higher education institutions that often make it difficult to implement meaningful change. Resistance to Dr. Khoury’s vision is not unique to Unity; it reflects a broader challenge across higher education, where innovation is frequently stymied by deeply ingrained traditions and a reluctance to disrupt the status quo (“Adapting Higher Education to Meet the Diverse Needs of Modern Learners,” 2024). As Dr. Khoury pointed out, “Higher ed has always been the great white shark. We have never had to evolve… The idea that we just needed better recruiters, better marketers, and more majors, and this probably would go away, was another myth that we had to overcome” (“Transformation and Growth Strategies at Unity Environmental University,” 2024).
Further intensifying the pushback, a letter signed by 61 alumni and students called for President Khoury to resign, arguing that the changes represented a departure from Unity’s core values (Curtis, 2020b). Critics feared that moving away from an in-person learning model would erode the institution’s distinctive identity as “America’s Environmental College,” known for its hands-on, experiential learning. The rapid pace of these changes, including the sudden layoffs of over 50 faculty and staff members—nearly 30% of the workforce—was viewed by some as prioritizing financial concerns over educational quality (Curtis, 2020b).
Dr. Khoury’s leadership style also drew criticism from some faculty members who felt that the restructuring and swift implementation of new policies were at odds with Unity’s traditions of shared governance and community-based decision-making. As reported in Down East Magazine, many former faculty members criticized the reduction of voting privileges for faculty and alumni, perceiving it as a move to consolidate decision-making power within the administration while sidelining other stakeholders (Donahue, 2021). The article noted that Khoury’s approach to faculty concerns further fueled the perception of a top-down management style that contradicted the college’s previous culture of openness and collaboration (Donahue, 2021).
Despite these challenges, Dr. Khoury remains steadfast in his vision for Unity’s future. He acknowledges that such resistance is a natural part of managing substantive change in higher education, especially when it deviates significantly from long-established norms. As he noted, “Change management always involves chaos in the middle. It’s about navigating from the current state to the desired state, and resistance is an inherent part of that process” (Donahue, 2021).
By recognizing that pushback is inevitable—particularly when initiating significant transformations—other institutions can learn from Unity’s experience. Dr. Khoury’s approach demonstrates that clear communication, a strong commitment to mission, and a willingness to confront both internal and external resistance are essential components of leading successful change in higher education.
Accreditation: A Path to Innovation
Accreditation has played a crucial role in Unity Environmental University’s transformation. Dr. Khoury notes that while accrediting bodies traditionally serve to ensure institutions deliver on their promises to students, they can also be instrumental in fostering innovation (“Courageous Innovation with Accreditor Support,” 2024). At Unity, maintaining a transparent and proactive relationship with accreditors has been key to implementing significant changes. “Our accreditors wanted to know what our promise to the students was, how we were achieving those promises, and whether we had the appropriate resources in the right areas,” Dr. Khoury explained (“Courageous Innovation with Accreditor Support,” 2024).
Unity worked closely with its accrediting body, engaging in informal conversations and ensuring that every proposed change met the necessary standards. Dr. Khoury emphasized the importance of this relationship: “The only thing our accreditors asked us is don’t surprise us” (“Courageous Innovation with Accreditor Support,” 2024). By keeping accreditors informed and involved at every step, Unity was able to gain their support and confidence, which helped counter any internal opposition to the changes.
Despite the benefits, Dr. Khoury acknowledges that variations between regional and institutional accreditors can pose challenges for innovation. He suggests that accrediting bodies could play a more active role in encouraging and promoting innovation by being more flexible in their standards and allowing for greater differentiation among institutions. “We need accrediting bodies to support rather than hinder innovative approaches that meet modern educational needs,” he argues. “They should provide guidance that allows for flexibility and adaptation while ensuring quality and accountability” (“Courageous Innovation with Accreditor Support,” 2024).
A path forward, based on Unity’s experience, would involve accreditors maintaining a balance between oversight and support, enabling institutions to adapt and innovate without compromising standards. By fostering open dialogue, providing objective feedback, and aligning their requirements with the realities of contemporary higher education, accrediting bodies can become valuable allies in driving institutional transformation.
A Closer Look at Data-Driven Decision Making at Unity
A key aspect of Unity’s transformation has been its commitment to data-driven decision-making. Dr. Khoury has emphasized that clear benchmarks and data are essential for evaluating the effectiveness of new initiatives. “We wanted a heuristic of what percentage of every dollar went to equipment, instruction, advising, and the like,” Dr. Khoury explained (“An Uncommon Success Story,” 2023). This approach includes setting specific targets, such as maintaining an advisor-to-student ratio of one dedicated advisor per 200 students and achieving a persistence rate between 78% and 85%. By establishing these data-driven benchmarks, Unity can assess the impact of its strategies and make necessary adjustments to ensure continued success.
Unity’s use of data is not limited to internal metrics; it also involves analyzing external trends and behaviors. For example, Dr. Khoury and his team regularly review what prospective students are searching for on the university’s website. “It’s amazing what you can find if you know what people are looking for using secondary data,” he noted (“An Uncommon Success Story,” 2023). This information allows Unity to refine its marketing and program offerings to better align with student interests and market demand.
Exploring Unity's Scalable Educational Model
Unity’s commitment to scalability is another crucial element of its transformation. The university has embraced a model that allows it to expand and contract based on changing interests and demands. “We don’t actually have to put the deficiencies home. We know that we need about 3,000 to 4,000 students for our four financial big scholars to stay solvent,” Dr. Khoury explained. “But apart from that, we need to work on a scalable model. Our current project, our investment, and our resource mapping is to get us to 10,000 students” (“Innovative Leadership and Transformation at Unity Environmental University,” 2023).
Unity’s approach to scalability includes maintaining a flexible infrastructure that can support growth without compromising educational quality. The university’s enterprise model allows each SEBU to operate independently with its own calendar, tuition structure, and educational philosophy, creating a system that can easily adapt to market changes and student needs.
Insights into the Financial Strategies Behind Unity’s Success
Unity’s financial strategies have also been central to its success. The decision to eliminate discounting and reduce tuition fees has made the institution more accessible to a broader range of students. “We no longer do discounting; we no longer have to meet these requirements,” Dr. Khoury stated. “What we found is that there’s a real passion for the environmental degree. A lot of young adults and adults want this education but cannot put a pause on their life to get it” (“An Uncommon Success Story,” 2023).
By making these strategic financial shifts, Unity has managed to attract a more diverse student body while maintaining financial stability. The elimination of discounting has simplified financial planning and reduced administrative burdens, allowing Unity to focus on its core mission of providing high-quality, accessible education (“Unity Environmental University: A Message from the President,” 2024).
Profiles of Successful Graduates and Their Impact
Unity Environmental University’s innovative approaches have directly benefited its students, many of whom have gone on to achieve significant success in green careers and other fields. For example, the podcast “Transformation and Growth Strategies at Unity Environmental University” highlights several graduates who have leveraged Unity’s flexible, environmentally-focused curriculum to secure positions in organizations committed to sustainability and environmental advocacy (Get Down to College Business Podcast, 2024). These success stories demonstrate the real-world impact of Unity’s educational model and its relevance in today’s job market.
Unity’s emphasis on preparing students for “green careers” aligns with its mission to provide a well-rounded education in environmental sciences. Dr. Khoury notes that the institution’s focus is on “creating environmental superheroes—myth managers, volunteers, and leaders who understand that community” (“An Uncommon Success Story,” 2023). This approach ensures that Unity graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the evolving green economy.
A common theme among Unity graduates is the value they place on the flexibility and accessibility of the college’s programs, which allow them to balance work, family, and education. Ashley Gamache, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geospatial Technologies, noted, “An affordable and flexible online BS in Environmental Geospatial Technologies brought me to Unity College. As a DE student, the most significant benefit of the Unity College structure was flexible scheduling—I have three jobs; I can take classes and pursue classes for my drone license on top of everyday life” (Unity Environmental University, 2024). Her experience underscores Unity’s commitment to offering programs that accommodate the complex lives of today’s students.
Similarly, Lauren Grampp, a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology & Sustainable Aquaculture graduate, appreciated the program’s flexibility, which allowed her to be a mother and pursue her dream career simultaneously. “Discovering that Unity offered a Marine Biology degree was a dream come true for me in the dark days of the pandemic and homeschooling my kids,” Grampp shared (Unity Environmental University, 2024). This demonstrates how Unity’s flexible online learning model can provide a lifeline for non-traditional students looking to achieve their professional goals.
For students like Nicole Larkin, who earned a Master’s in Marine Science, Unity offered a pathway to transition careers amid challenging circumstances. “I chose Unity for my Master’s degree because it offered the flexibility and affordability I needed as a working mom of two amid a career change,” Larkin explained. She was able to complete her degree in about a year, acquiring essential skills in research, data analysis, and professional writing, which she plans to use in future conservation roles (Unity Environmental University, 2024).
Devon Austin, a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation graduate, echoed the importance of Unity’s supportive environment for distance learners. “The classes move fast, but the work is still doable, and you will be so proud of what you’ve accomplished by the end,” he advised, emphasizing the need for self-discipline and effective time management (Unity Environmental University, 2024).
Graduates such as Lauren Connor and Kristen Royse, both of whom pursued advanced degrees in Environmental Geographic Information Science, highlighted the personalized support and community feel at Unity. “Unity College is built for YOU, no matter your circumstances,” Royse emphasized. She praised the flexibility of course completion timelines and the value of one-on-one communication with professors in an online setting (Unity Environmental University, 2024).
These examples reflect common themes among Unity’s graduates: the institution’s flexible learning options, commitment to accommodating diverse needs, and focus on practical, real-world applications. By providing a range of modalities and robust support systems, Unity enables students from all walks of life to advance their careers in environmental fields while balancing other responsibilities.
Deeper Analysis of Unity’s Environmental Mission and Green Career Focus
At the heart of Unity’s mission is a commitment to environmental education and sustainability. Unity was the first institution in the nation to divest its endowment portfolio of fossil fuels, reflecting its dedication to climate change education and advocacy (“Innovating the Higher Ed Business Model,” 2024). Unity offers specialized programs that promote green careers, integrating hands-on learning opportunities with coursework that emphasizes the importance of interacting with the environment.
Dr. Khoury describes Unity’s mission as “providing a change in the client’s eye that there is such a thing as a green career…most industries need to interact with the environment in some way” (“Innovative Leadership and Transformation at Unity Environmental University,” 2023). The institution’s unique position in the higher education landscape as a leader in green education allows it to prepare students for careers that will be increasingly important in the future.
Conclusion: Beyond Tradition to True Innovation
Dr. Khoury’s leadership at Unity Environmental University provides a compelling case study of what is possible when higher education leaders are willing to push boundaries and challenge conventional wisdom. By embracing change, leveraging technology, and maintaining a steadfast focus on student outcomes, Unity has managed not only to survive but thrive in a challenging market environment. While other institutions could replicate parts of Unity’s blueprint, the reality is that without an open and adaptable campus culture, similar efforts might not yield the same success.
Unity’s story serves as a powerful reminder that higher education institutions must be willing to break free from outdated models and practices if they hope to remain relevant and sustainable in the 21st century. As Dr. Khoury has demonstrated, the path forward may not be easy, but it is certainly necessary.
References
Adapting Higher Education to Meet the Diverse Needs of Modern Learners. (2024, August 20). The EdUp Experience Podcast.
An Uncommon Success Story: Unity Environmental University, President and CEO, Dr. Melik Khoury. (2023, September 26). InGenioUs Podcast. Retrieved from YouTube.
Courageous Innovation with Accreditor Support. (2024, March 10). EdUp: Accreditation Insights Podcast.
Curtis, A. (2020a, August 9). As Unity College Retools, Some Fear the School Has ‘Lost Its Way’. Bangor Daily News.
Curtis, A. (2020b, August 27). As enrollment at Unity College grows, so do calls for president to resign. Bangor Daily News.
Donahue, B. (2021, August). Can the Soul of America’s Environmental College Survive Digital Disruption? Down East Magazine.
Innovating the Higher Ed Business Model. (2024, February 20). Changing Higher Ed Podcast.
Transformation and Growth Strategies at Unity Environmental University. (2024, March 12).Get Down to College Business Podcast.
Unity College’s Innovations and Adaptations Amid COVID-19. (2020, October 1). The EdUp Experience Podcast.
Unity Environmental University. (2024). Testimonials: Graduates and Alumni Working in the Field. Retrieved from Unity Environmental University website.
Unity Environmental University. (2024). Testimonials: Graduates & Alumni Working in the Field. Retrieved from Unity Environmental University website.
Unity Environmental University: A Message from the President. (2024). Retrieved from Unity Environmental University website.