Advancement teams are approaching donors with an extra emphasis on universities' ability to shape a state's success.

Institutions that stay curious, test quickly and double down on what works will be the ones that gain ground, even in a challenging market.

Would-be entry-level workers described using elaborate spreadsheets to track dozens of job applications, lost opportunities from federal cuts and hiring processes that made them question their self-worth.

The schools that succeed are building flexible systems, supporting staff, and creating processes that can bend without breaking.