Iowa State University, Sonoma State University in California and a flurry of other colleges appointed new leaders in November.

The college population is made up of 13% fewer first-generation learners than in 1996, but degree attainment has risen.

Paullette Granberry Russell, president of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, joins the podcast to discuss recapturing the DEI narrative—and welcoming members who've historically denounced diversity initiatives.

Trump's higher education policies are affecting more than elite universities—they're creating new hurdles for community colleges as well, threatening efforts to expand economic and workforce opportunities.