Designing Easier Paths to Student Success
The big picture: Chancellor David Andrews from UMass Global and President Brian Blake of Georgia State University, reframed what it means to make higher education easier. It’s not about lowering standards — it’s about smarter design, stronger connections to work, and...
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Recent Stories
New Higher Education Regulations Take Shape
Why it matters: The Department of Education is launching two negotiated rulemaking committees to implement significant changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), affecting federal student loans and higher education access. The RISE Committee Focus: Federal...
Rethinking Higher Ed for the Automation Age
What’s happening: Higher ed is at a breaking point and stuck in a system built for another era. Why it matters: Gordon Freedman says institutions can’t just layer AI onto legacy models. To serve learners and meet workforce needs, we need new infrastructure:...
July 2025 CHIPS Update
The CHIPS and Science Act continues to drive significant progress in the U.S. semiconductor industry. Here are the latest developments: Natcast Opens NSTC EUV Accelerator at NY CREATES' Albany NanoTech Complex In a major milestone for U.S. semiconductor innovation,...
Futures Thinking: AI, Workforce Development, and HigherEd Convergence— Redefining the Learning Experience
By Dr. Kate Smith, President, Rio Salado College “Collaboration between educators, employers, and policymakers is crucial to shape AI strategies that bridge the education-workforce divide and ensure ethical and effective use of AI. AI is a powerful tool that can...
How SAN Supports Online Education
Why it matters: The State Authorization Network (SAN) helps nearly 1,000 institutions navigate complex interstate regulatory requirements for online education, ensuring student consumer protections and educational access. Key insights: SAN provides analysis, training,...
WCET: Future of EdTech
Big thing: AI will be a "game changer" for higher education, enabling highly personalized support throughout the student lifecycle while potentially reducing costs. Why it matters: The current disconnect between the cost and price of distance education prevents...
Centering Career Readiness in Higher Ed
Why it matters: With employers increasingly focused on skills and outcomes, Purdue Global's approach creates a direct pipeline between education and employment. By the numbers: Students from 1,800+ employers complete Purdue Global programs annually Their bachelor's...
UT Arlington: AI Insights and Student Success Approach
Why it matters: Jennifer Cowley shares how UT Arlington is approaching artificial intelligence challenges and removing institutional barriers to support diverse student populations. AI opportunities and challenges: Views AI as both an opportunity and challenge for...
Military Education Benefits: Bridging the Gap Between Service and Success
Big picture: Military education benefits have stagnated while costs soar – creating a growing gap between service and educational opportunity. The recently passed reconciliation legislation allocates $100 million for military tuition assistance – a positive step, but...
NC-SARA: Streamlining Distance Education
Why it matters: NC-SARA (National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements) facilitates smoother interstate distance education by reducing regulatory barriers for institutions and students. Key benefits: For students: Uninterrupted education when...
Federal Higher Ed Updates with Alex Ricci
Why it matters Major changes to student aid programs and loan limits will significantly impact higher education institutions and students, requiring preparation for implementation challenges. Key takeaways Title IV changes: Workforce Pell Grant expansion and...
Promoting Policies that Power More Learners in Higher Education
By Dr. Mark D. Milliron, President, National University In recent years, California has made headlines for taking important steps to better support college students raising children. Three years ago, California enacted a new law requiring the state’s community...
Pres. John Maduko: Leading With Student-Centered Vision
Big picture: As President of Connecticut State Community College (CT State), John Maduko leads New England's largest community college, focusing on accessibility, affordability, and industry-aligned education. By the numbers: CT State has 12 campuses serving all 169...
Future of Distance Education
The Big Picture: Three university presidents discussed how AI, personalized learning, and industry partnerships are reshaping distance education. Why it matters Higher education faces urgent pressure to adapt to technological changes while ensuring accessibility and...
U.S. Semiconductor Ecosystem Updates
The Presidents Forum remains committed to creating a robust semiconductor manufacturing workforce ecosystem within the United States. We're excited to share these important CHIPS Act opportunities: WEBINAR: Unlocking Opportunities - NSTC Workforce Awards & Top...
AI’s Transformative Role in Education
Why it matters: While the internet democratized access to education, AI can potentially ensure every learner succeeds by adapting to individual needs and abilities. Key insights: WGU was designed to be "student-centered, tech-first" from its inception during the early...
Breaking the Time Barrier
Why it matters: Traditional higher education is constrained by fixed time periods that don't match how people actually learn. The big picture: As college costs rise and student debt mounts, education leaders are reimagining a system where: Learning is validated by...
NCHER Annual Conference: Highlights and Insights
Why it matters: NCHER's Annual Conference in Nashville brought together key players in education finance to address critical challenges and opportunities in the sector. Key themes: Legislative updates and regulatory changes Student loan repayment strategies Workforce...
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