Why Subscribe?
A strategic resource for higher education professionals who want results.
Higher education professionals carry a lot.
You’re leading and collaborating with people. Navigating constant change. Holding goals alongside operational constraints. Trying to move real work forward in systems that often slow it down.
The question I hear most often is some version of this:
How do we actually make this work and improve outcomes?
Not what should we value.
Not what does the research say.
But how do we implement this here, with these educators, under these conditions?
Continuous Learner exists to answer that question.
Why This Space Exists
I’m Dr. Al Solano.
Since 2009, I’ve worked as an embedded coach with institutions of higher education across the country, helping teams:
Simplify complex initiatives
Create common language
Move from planning to execution
Improve organizational outcomes and better student success
Everything I write here comes from that work.
This publication resource is where I share the patterns I see across institutions, the strategies that consistently get results, and the mistakes that quietly stall progress so you don’t have to learn them (or continue to experience them) the hard way.
What You Get as a Free Subscriber
All subscribers receive:
Clear, practitioner-focused insights on organizational behavior, teaching & learning, and institutional change
Short, focused pieces designed to sharpen thinking, not add to your reading burden
Actionable reflections you can use individually or with teams
If you value clarity and practicality, the free tier will already serve you well.
What You Get as a Premium Subscriber
Premium is for readers who want to go deeper into implementation.
As a Premium subscriber, you get:
Deeper dives into barriers that derail institutional efforts, and how colleges overcome them
Implementation-ready strategies you can adapt to your campus context
Templates and tools for planning, professional development, and execution
This tier is designed to save you time and help you make better strategic decisions.
Cost: $50/year
Many subscribers expense it as professional development. (Use the reimbursement template).
Founding Member Subscription
For readers who want more direct engagement, there is a Founding Member option.
Founding Members receive everything in Premium, plus:
Direct email access to me for context-specific questions
Discounts on future resources and tools
Extended content focused on systems change and leadership practice
Cost: $120/year
This option is ideal for deans, directors, faculty leaders, and system-level practitioners. Many subscribers expense it as professional development. (Use the reimbursement template).
What Educators Say About Dr. Al’s Approach and Resources
Dr. Al’s approach is helpful in framing the issues and useful in providing methods for addressing them.
Diego Navarro, Faculty Emeritus and Faculty Developer
Dr. Al is a consummate professional with amazing insight and knowledge which he openly shares with higher education leaders and practitioners. His authentic, courageous, and forward-thinking approach is refreshing and is exactly what is needed to meet the moment.
Dr. Julianna Asperin Barnes, Chancellor
I often refer to Dr. Al’s resources. As we continue to redesign our work and support for students, his recommendations for organizational success strategies are very timely. His approach to continuous improvement and culture change can bring transformational and impactful outcomes for our students and team members.
Dr. Frances Villagran-Glover, College President
I’m thankful for Dr. Al’s dedication in spreading kindness and his expertise across our educational field. It is always a pleasure to receive his emails as they are resourceful, relevant, and always invoke a positive tone while calling for us to engage in transformational work.
Dr. Monica Green, College President
Dr. Al’s honest candor is refreshing and so needed during this time. He knows how to balance truth with kindness in the only way an amazing coach can.
Libby Curiel, Faculty
Dr. Al is a collegial problem-solver who knows how to communicate and collaborate effectively. I appreciate his brief, highly practical articles that help institutions plan and implement effective practices.
Dr. Rita Karam, RAND Senior Policy Researcher
Dr. Al provides college leaders with powerful insights for advancing culture change and continuous improvement efforts. Now more than ever, leaders must contend with the internal and external factors that impact institutional viability. Dr. Al engages our thinking, encourages reflection, and inspires our teams to reach peak performance so that the students we serve will get the educational experience they need to help them live the lives they deserve.
Dr. Michael Baston, College President
Dr. Al writes and provides advice and support through a practitioner’s eye, knowing from personal experience how institutions are designed and operate. Institutional transformation is a marathon, not a sprint--scaled reform takes resiliency and refinement that only comes when a culture of improvement is embedded at all levels of an organization.
Dr. Gretchen Schmidt, Higher Education Expert
My Commitment to You
I take this work seriously. I write with respect for your time, your context, and the complexity of institutional change. My goal is to be useful.
If you’re ready for:
More clarity
Validation of your hard work
And practical advice and strategies that translate into action
I’d be glad to have you as a subscriber.
Onward…
Dr. Al Solano
Founder, Continuous Learning Institute
Embedded Coach to Colleges
Host, Student Success Podcast
A meaningful test of success is how helpful we are in contributing to our fellow human being’s happiness.
