U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon laid the most fleshed-out foundation for the Trump administration’s higher education agenda to date Monday, characterizing four-year universities as broken systems that fail to create leaders in an address at Hillsdale College.
In an opinion article, AGB senior fellow and consultant Kevin Reilly writes: “[B]oards in particular can and need to step up to defend America’s researchers in fields such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics as they follow their expertise to discoveries that benefit the health, economic well-being and national security of our citizens. Boards can assist in warding off politically motivated regulations and budget cuts that senselessly damage this vital progress pipeline.”
Ross Mugler, acting president of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, and others said McMahon’s comments “misrepresent the reality on college campuses today” and reflect an “unrealistic approach and assessment of higher education in this country.” He defended the work of college administrators, who he said are trying to do the right things to help students succeed.
“Higher ed isn’t broken; it’s adapting,” he said.
August 27, 2025 – Watch this Webinar On Demand to explore the foundational role of board independence in preserving mission-driven leadership, protecting institutional credibility, and fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities.
From legal obligations to leading practices, AGB General Counsel and Senior Fellow Tom Hyatt highlights why every trustee’s work must begin with this core responsibility.
The recent Richmond Times-Dispatch story (“Democrats in shock over resignation of UVa president Jim Ryan,” June 27) on the unfolding leadership crisis at the University of Virginia should alarm every American who believes in the independence, freedom and integrity of higher education.
The recent Richmond Times-Dispatch story (“Democrats in shock over resignation of UVa president Jim Ryan,” June 27) on the unfolding leadership crisis at the University of Virginia should alarm every American who believes in the independence, freedom and integrity of higher education.
The shocking ouster of the president of the University of Virginia (UVA) has shown the Trump administration is expanding its higher education battle to public universities and using local and state support to push its demands.
James Ryan submitted his resignation last week ‘with a very heavy heart’ rather than risk the institution having its federal funding cut
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