Assessment, academic success, and retention are at the forefront of higher education. When budgets and programs are systematically reduced, higher education institutions can face these challenges by applying process optimization techniques. In times of crisis, cross-functional teams employing these techniques create direct change in higher education environments. This article provides college and university presidents, provosts, deans, and other senior leadership with a foundation on process optimization methodologies, such as Lean Six Sigma and Agile. It also also provides a primer for department and unit heads on the application of specific tools and techniques