About Engaged By Design
Michael and Vernon, Founding Partners
Meet the founders of Engaged by Design—two experts combining decades of experience to help higher ed leaders strengthen their teams, strategy, and impact.
Start A ConversationThrough strategic consulting, professional coaching, and the MACRO Leadership framework, we support online learning expansion, student success, and leadership development.
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See ServicesFOUNDING PARTNER
Dr. Michael Cottam
Michael brings over 25 years of leadership experience in higher education, serving as faculty, dean, and associate provost across a variety of institutions.
With deep expertise in online learning, strategic leadership, and faculty development, he is the creator of the MACRO Leadership framework and author of MACRO Leadership: Leading Agile Change and Innovation in Higher Education.
A certified Gallup Global Strengths Coach, Michael is known for helping mid-level leaders align people and projects to drive meaningful, measurable change.
MACRO Book
FOUNDING PARTNER
Dr. Vernon Smith
Vernon is a nationally recognized leader in digital learning and academic innovation. With over 30 years of experience, he has served as faculty member, dean, vice president of academic affairs, chief academic officer, and provost in institutions ranging from community colleges to private universities.
Vernon’s strengths lie in strategic planning, enrollment growth, and Agile-informed academic operations.
A lifelong learner with a deep belief in values-driven leadership, he specializes in helping institutions improve quality, scale programs, and transform culture while staying true to their mission.
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