College Administration
College Administration on Wazzu: a running collection of 2 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on college administration in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. Washington State University (WSU) is a leading public land-grant research university in Pullman, WA, known for its strong programs in agriculture, environmental science,… New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around college administration, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything Wazzu is covering right now.
Senior College Leaders Experiencing ‘Heightened Uncertainty’
## Navigating the New Normal: Senior College Leaders Face Heightened Uncertainty Senior college leaders are reporting a significant increase in uncertainty, a trend impacting strategic planning and day-to-day operations across institutions nationwide. A recent survey reveals that 82% of senior leaders cite external pressures—ranging from evolving student demographics and fluctuating enrollment to shifting political landscapes and economic instability—as primary drivers of this anxiety. This isn't just about long-term vision; leaders are grappling with immediate challenges requiring agile responses. Key areas of concern include: maintaining financial stability amidst declining state support (ranked #1 by 67% of respondents), adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics (see our related piece, "Preparing for a Changing College Athletics Landscape"), and addressing the unique needs of first-generation students navigating the "hidden curriculum" (as explored in Joshua Bay’s insightful article). The prevailing sentiment is one of cautious optimism. While acknowledging the complexity of the current environment, leaders express a commitment to resilience and innovation. Prioritizing community engagement, fostering collaborative problem-solving, and investing in data-driven decision-making are emerging as crucial strategies for navigating this period of heightened uncertainty and building a sustainable future for higher education. Ultimately, the ability to adapt and prioritize impact will define success in the years to come.
A Green Mountain College Resurrection?
## A Green Mountain College Resurrection? The Latest Attempt to Revive a Vermont Institution The story of Green Mountain College, shuttered in 2019 after decades of financial struggles, isn't quite over. A new effort, spearheaded by evangelist and entrepreneur David Moeller, aims to resurrect the rural Vermont campus. The plan, currently shrouded in a degree of ambiguity regarding finances and specific strategy, has sparked both cautious optimism and significant questions within the higher education landscape. Moeller's vision involves re-establishing Green Mountain College as a Christian liberal arts institution, drawing parallels to his previous, and ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to revive the University of Valley Forge. This past experience—detailed in our earlier report, "University of Valley Forge to Close"—has understandably raised concerns about the viability of his current approach. Key areas of uncertainty include securing sustainable funding, attracting a viable student body, and developing a curriculum that aligns with both Moeller's vision and the needs of today’s students. While the prospect of breathing new life into a historic Vermont campus is appealing, the details remain scarce. The success of this endeavor hinges on a clear, well-funded plan—one that addresses the challenges that led to Green Mountain College's initial closure. We’ll continue to follow this developing story, providing updates as more information becomes available.