Boston 2025: Action and Alignment
The big picture: At the Presidents Forum Boston 2025 meeting, higher ed leaders, researchers, and policymakers came together to confront the defining challenges shaping the future of colleges and students — from declining enrollment and public trust to the governance...
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Recent Stories
UMGC: Bridging Education and Employment
The big picture Workforce development has become central to UMGC's mission, focusing on bridging the gap between education and employment. Key insights Students need to both learn and effectively communicate their skills to employers Employers want graduates whose...
How the National Nest Program is Reimagining Online Education
The big picture National University is reimagining online education with physical "Nest" locations, designed as flexible co-learning spaces for nontraditional students. Why it matters Many online students face challenges at home, including: • Lack of quiet space •...
June Executive Director Update
The Key Points The Presidents Forum is ramping up work on distance education and AI while staying active in policy matters. Why it matters These initiatives shape the future of higher education delivery and regulation. The big picture The Forum is balancing innovation...
Digital Evolution in Higher Education
Why It Matters Dr. Luke Dowden, with 20 years in online learning, shares key insights on AI, distance education, and scaling online programs in higher education. The Big Picture AI won't necessarily lead to more distance learning, but will enhance online experiences...
Emerging Technologies Are Reshaping Higher Ed Learning
Why it matters: Phil Hill discusses how emerging technologies are reshaping education, particularly in addressing student engagement and language barriers. The Big Picture Language innovation: New AI tools are enabling real-time translation in both audio and video,...
Section 127 reform aims to unlock private investment in education
Why it matters: An outdated $5,250 cap on tax-free employer education benefits from 1986 is limiting private investment in workforce education. By the numbers: The $5,250 cap would be worth about $15,000 today if adjusted for inflation 73% of workers are interested in...
What a Physical Home for Online Students Says About the Future of Distance Learning
By Dr. Mark D. Milliron, President and CEO, National University It might seem unusual for a university long known for online education to open a physical student support hub in San Diego, but earlier this month, that’s exactly what we did. Called the Nest, National...
Federal Higher Education Update
Why it matters: The Department of Education is launching a new negotiated rulemaking process focused on student loan programs. The big picture: Two main issues are being addressed: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - reviewing qualifying employers and excluding...
Excelsior: Bridging Online and In-Person Learning
Why it matters Excelsior University is reimagining distance education through innovative hybrid programs that combine AI-enhanced online learning with strategic in-person experiences. The big picture President David Schejbal sees AI transforming course development and...
UMGC: The Long-term Value of Distance Learning
Why it matters As colleges face enrollment pressures, UMGC's 76-year experience in distance learning offers crucial insights into successful online education delivery. The big picture UMGC President Gregory Fowler emphasizes that distance learning isn't just a...
CHIPS Act Workforce Development Update
The National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology (NATCAST) continues to drive semiconductor workforce development with two exciting announcements: Save the date for the 2025 National Semiconductor Technical Conference (NSTC) Symposium - September...
A new vision for higher education
The big picture Higher education stands at a crossroads where traditional teaching methods meet AI capabilities, forcing institutions to redefine their value proposition. Why it matters As AI reshapes education, universities must radically transform their approach or...
May Executive Director Update
Our new focus for May is the future of distance education. Two key initiatives are underway: a negotiated rulemaking group that will provide weekly progress updates, and a financial aid integrity working group developing best practices for member institutions. Through...
New Member Chancellor Mike Flores is Transforming Higher Ed
Big picture: Dr. Mike Flores brings proven innovation and scale to the Presidents Forum, demonstrating how to expand educational access while driving strong outcomes. Key innovations: Alamo Promise program expanded to all 73 public high schools Scaled GED programs...
Modernizing Military Tuition Benefits
The big picture Military tuition assistance rates have remained static at $250 per credit hour and $4,500 annually since the early 2000s, while education costs have significantly increased. By the numbers Average public institution cost: ~$11,000/year Current TA cap:...
Presidents Forum’s Role in 2025 Negotiated Rulemaking
Presidents Forum is taking an active role in the 2025 negotiated rulemaking process, assembling a specialized working group of policy and government relations experts from member institutions. This initiative aims to shape regulatory changes that will enhance higher...
IMPACT: A Scalable Framework for Innovation and Execution
Matt Hawkins, EVP & Chief of Staff, Ivy Tech Community College Emily Sellers, VP of Project Implementation & Support, Ivy Tech Community College At Ivy Tech Community College, we’ve long understood that innovation is not our challenge —scale is. With 19...
Modernizing Pell Grants for Today’s Workforce
The big picture: Bipartisan JOBS Act aims to expand Pell Grant access to shorter workforce training programs Why it matters: The legislation would help low-income students access accelerated career training in high-demand fields like healthcare, manufacturing and...
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