Ron Patterson's record cultivating strong enrollment numbers made him a ready appointment at Chadron State College. One of these president's decisions to step down, however, is hard to decipher.
"We're about to fall off that cliff," said Higher Education Co-Chairman Gregg Haddad referring to the reliance the state system placed on one-time federal aid investments, such as the American Rescue Plan.
Following a novel beta test that attracted over 300 students and over $40,000 in personal investment accounts, the University of Kentucky is using financial literacy as a conduit for healthier student habits in wellness, engagement and academics.
A new report from the National Education Association ranks all 50 states' average faculty salaries and answers a $15,000 question causing pay gaps between colleagues of different institutions.
With a smaller pool of available students, a growing wake of attention to mental health and a swelling public skepticism of higher education, these small private college and university leaders in Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts and Maine are redefining their job to guide their schools in murky waters.
Managers cite GenZers' lack of motivation and thin skin as their top employee complaints and as their top motivations fire them. In fact, 65% say they more commonly need to fire GenZers than employees of other generations.
Aside from some bittersweet endings to some long, healthy careers, one president of a major university left following two "embarrassing" mishaps, and another didn't make it into his first year before resigning.
One president was chosen to lead one of the top 10 research universities due to her resume championing school startups and patents, while one president was placed on leave after a no-confidence vote - for a second time.
Despite enrollment challenges and some rural towns' skepticism about the value of a college education, Lake Area Tech boasts a 76% three-year graduation rate and transfer rate and Walla Walla Community College helped create a booming winery industry.
