Policymakers are merging or aligning agencies to tie academic programs more directly to labor demand, reshaping how colleges operate.

Degree apprenticeships pay college-enrolled learners to gain workforce experience. The programs are slowly regaining traction across the country.

More than half of surveyed professors stated that they would not recommend their state as a desirable place to work, per AAUP.

Five leaders on this list are arriving as presidents of new institutions, while three have been promoted after having served in an interim position.