Leaders Defending American Higher Education

How should college and university leaders respond to the intensifying threats to American higher education? As the second Trump administration prepares to take office, presidents face difficult choices as they seek to remain non-partisan in the face of increasing political interference, bolstered by growing distrust of higher education. DEI initiatives, accreditation, and federal funding are just a few areas where universities are likely to face heightened political scrutiny.

This webinar will feature three higher education leaders who have spoken out in defense of American higher education: Dr. Michael Gavin of Delta College, Dr. Patricia A. McGuire of Trinity Washington University, and Dr. Michael S. Roth of Wesleyan University. They will discuss their approach to leadership in these times and what they believe college and university leaders should contribute to the broader action needed to protect American higher education.

The discussion will be moderated by Eric Mlyn, director of the project on Democracy and the Politics of American Higher Education at the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University. The webinar will close with a Q&A.