Opportunity in Action: The 3D Scholarship Advantage
A model for access and affordability. Prince George’s County Public Schools, Prince George’s Community College, and the University of Maryland Global Campus are proving what’s possible when systems align around student success. How it works: Up to 50 students enter...
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Recent Stories
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...
Rethinking Higher Education Measurement
Why it matters The Postsecondary Commission is working to become an accreditor focused on measuring economic outcomes for students - a potentially transformative shift in how we evaluate colleges. The big picture The goal: Create data systems that track whether...
Building Student-First Innovation in Higher Ed
Why it matters David Schejbal, President of Excelsior University, shares insights on streamlining higher education processes while maintaining accountability. Key takeaways M&A timelines need dramatic reduction: Current higher ed mergers take ~2 years; Schejbal...
Shaping Higher Education Policy: Presidents Forum in DC
The Big Picture Higher education leaders converged in DC for the Presidents Forum's annual policy meetings, engaging with key legislative figures to shape education's future. Why it matters These meetings bridge the gap between educational leaders and policymakers,...
UMGC: Innovating with Impact
The big picture: In an era where educational institutions chase innovation for innovation's sake, UMGC differentiates itself by prioritizing tangible results for learners and partners. By the numbers: UMGC evaluates success through three key questions: Quality...
CHIPS for America Program Update: Leadership Announcements and Membership Growth
The National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) continues to make significant strides in implementing the CHIPS for America program, with two recent developments. New Leadership at EUV Accelerator Natcast has appointed Dr. Craig Child as Director of the CHIPS for...
Department of Education Announces Intent to Begin Negotiated Rulemaking on Student Loan Programs
The Department of Education has announced its intent to commence negotiated rulemaking on several key student loan programs, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), and Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) plans. Negotiated rulemaking is...
April Update
The big picture: After March's federal policy focus, the Forum is pivoting to the theme of "accountable innovation" for April, emphasizing practical solutions in higher education. Why it matters: The Presidents Forum is building momentum after productive meetings with...
Developing Semiconductor Workforce Imperative to National Security
The big picture Rio Salado College and the University of Arizona are creating a unique ecosystem for semiconductor workforce development, partnering closely with industry to create agile, responsive training programs. Key Takeaways Stronger Industry Partnerships...
Virginia’s FastForward Program: Lessons for Pell Grant Expansion
By Anne M. Kress PhD President, Northern Virginia Community College Momentum is growing in this Congress to allow Pell grants to be used for accelerated career training as Americans of all ages increasingly seek short-term educational experiences directly linked to...
Emerging Technologies in Personalized Learning
Why it matters: Higher education leaders are embracing AI and emerging technologies to create more personalized, accessible, and cost-effective learning experiences. The big picture Student demographics are driving rapid technological adoption, with institutions...
Rethinking Success with Former Under Secretary James Kvaal
The Big Picture In a conversation between Former Under Secretary James Kvaal and UMass Global President David Andrews, key insights emerged about the evolving landscape of higher education and federal oversight. Why it matters The discussion highlights critical...
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