Designing for Persistence: Embracing a Student-Centered Approach to Completion
By Gregory W. Fowler, PhD, with Susan Hawkins-Wilding and Matthew Belanger At University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), we serve a population with extraordinary potential and complexity—adults in the workforce and the military, career changers, first- generation...
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Recent Stories
Driving Change Through Collaborative Projects
Why it matters The Presidents Forum drives major change projects in higher education, focusing on increasing access and improving education quality. The big picture Two significant initiatives showcase their impact: NC-SARA: Established oversight for distance...
Blurring the Lines: Strengthening Indiana’s Workforce and Education Connection
Dr. Sue Ellspermann, President, Ivy Tech Community College As workforce demands evolve, the need for accessible, career-focused education has never been more critical. To remain competitive in a global economy, states must ensure that education and workforce...
Workforce Crisis in High-Social-Value Professions Demands New Solutions
Why It Matters High-social-value professions like teaching, nursing, and social work face critical workforce shortages despite their essential role in community wellbeing. The Big Picture These shortages particularly impact rural and urban communities, with specific...
Excelsior: Cognitive Skills Remain Important in Age of AI
The Big Picture Higher education needs to intentionally develop critical thinking and cognitive abilities - not just technical skills - to prepare students for the modern workforce. Why it matters Employers increasingly value "soft skills" like communication,...
Upscaling Careers with Microcredentials
The big picture: Microcredentials are transforming career advancement opportunities in today's rapidly evolving job market. Why it matters: Professionals can now upskill quickly and affordably, meeting industry demands without committing to full degree programs. The...
Northern Virginia Community College Innovates the Internship to Speed Students from Learning to Earning
By President Anne M. Kress, PhD Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) consistently looks for opportunities to respond to demand signals from regional employers and, thereby, build pathways to jobs that help Virginians climb the economic ladder. When new fields,...
Leadership Changes at the Department of Education
Significant leadership changes are underway at the Department of Education. Linda McMahon's confirmation hearings for Secretary of Education signal potential shifts in federal education policy and priorities. The White House has also nominated Nicholas Kent, who...
Introduced JOBS Act Expands Pell Eligibility
The newest iteration of the Jumpstarting Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act was introduced on February 4th by Senators Kaine, Collins, Smith and Marshall. Currently, Pell Grants can only be used for traditional two and four-year college programs. This...
The Policy Path Ahead
Why it matters: The Presidents Forum's 2025 policy agenda is built on five core commitments that aim to modernize higher education for today's students. The big picture: Our five commitments prioritize: Students First: Measuring policies by student outcomes...
AI’s Not a Genie in a Lamp: It’s a Space to Think
The big picture: Author Josh Thorpe argues against viewing AI as either a "magic power" or "just a tool" — instead advocating for seeing it as an interactive learning environment. Why it matters As educational institutions grapple with AI integration, Thorpe's...
February CHIPS Update
In a significant development for the CHIPS and Science Act implementation, on January 16th, the Department of Commerce announced preliminary funding agreements totaling approximately $246.4 million across four semiconductor companies. The proposed investments include:...
February Update
The February update focuses on High Social Value Education and key policy updates, emphasizing both individual success and community impact in higher education. The big picture: Presidents Forum is expanding its influence through: New partnerships Policy agenda...
Fostering Peer-to-Peer Communication
The big picture: The Presidents Forum facilitates crucial peer-to-peer connections among presidents, offering a confidential space for leadership discussions and networking. Key benefits: Direct peer contact through private contact list Safe environment for candid...
2025: New Year, Same Challenges and Opportunities
By Scott Pulsipher, President of Western Governors University AI’s real potential rests in its ability to dramatically personalize learning such that every individual has an equal probability of success. But for all its hype, few institutions successfully implemented...
The Future of Higher Ed Regulation
Big picture: A panel of higher education experts discussed recent changes in Department of Education regulations, particularly focusing on negotiated rulemaking and distance learning oversight. Key panelists: Phil Hill - Ed tech expert and reporter Scott Pulsipher -...
Northern Virginia Community College: Expanding Opportunities in the Skilled Trades
By Dr. Anne Kress, Northern Virginia Community College In 2025, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) will continue its focus on offering more opportunities for individuals in our region to develop the skills, knowledge, and credentials they need to enter jobs in...
January CHIPS Update
Cameron Mortenson, Policy Director The Department of Commerce officially finalized its agreement with Natcast to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC). Over the next 10 years, NSTC will execute on its strategic plan to: Extend U.S. technology...
Website Updates
The Presidents Forum has recently unveiled significant updates to their website, featuring a comprehensive new "Membership" section that clearly delineates the various partnership opportunities available. This enhanced section provides detailed information about the...
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