We help post-secondary leaders think
strategically, act decisively, and connect meaningfully.
About US
We are Higher Education Strategy Associates (HESA). Together with post‑secondary institutions, governments, and agencies, we deliver tailored, evidence‑based strategic consulting and policy analysis. Since 2009, we’ve partnered with leaders across academia and government to shape more equitable, effective, and future‑ready higher education systems in Canada—and beyond.
Strategic Planning & Governance
Strategic planning and governance advice for higher education, grounded in deep sector expertise and stakeholder insight.
Academic
Planning
We help institutions design market-relevant academic programs and can also help navigate regulatory approval processes in Ontario and B.C.
Institutional Improvement
Helping institutions solve operational and strategic challenges with research-driven, practical solutions for efficiency and impact.
Economic & Social
Impact Studies
We measure impact beyond numbers, showing how institutions drive opportunity, knowledge, prosperity, and community growth.
Publication
The State of Postsecondary Education in Canada 2025
The State of Postsecondary Education in Canada (SPEC) is an annually updated and freely available compendium of crucial higher education data that tracks trends in areas such as international student enrolment, enrolment by field, and student assistance. It is designed to provide administrators, faculty, researchers, and policy makers with analysis and insights that aggregates several data sources — saving time and effort.
Blog
One Thought to Start Your Day
One Thought to Start Your Day is our founder and CEO Alex Usher’s popular daily blog, brimming with up-to-the-minute insights and informed opinions on today’s higher education industry.
Podcast
“Not Even as a Doorman”: Politics and Universities in Colombia
Colombia is one of the world’s most interesting higher education…
How China Built a Higher Education Superpower
It’s hard to think of a higher education system that…
Featured
Focus Friday: June 5
Hi all! Tiffany here. This week marks our final Focus Friday before we take a break for the summer. Rather than bringing in a guest, we’ll be hosting an end-of-year community chat. No presentations, no formal agenda, and no set topic, just an opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the postsecondary sector and talk […]
Subscribe to the Blog
Subscribe to have Alex Usher’s One Thought to Start Your Day blog sent straight to your email.