Adapt or….
Higher ed leaders working through uncertainty
Change is nothing new to higher education, but the level of uncertainty facing today’s institutions is testing even the most seasoned leaders. From potential federal funding cuts and grant disruptions to shifting political climates and rising infrastructure costs, the pressure is on. And yet, the response from higher ed leaders has been clear: adapt, evolve, and keep moving forward.
During our recent Higher Education Advisory Board meeting, leaders from across the country shared how they’re steering their institutions through this period of disruption. Despite the challenges, a few key strategies have emerged—centered not on waiting for stability, but on actively embracing the unknown.
Staying Resilient Amid Funding Disruptions
With billions of dollars in research funding at risk, particularly for R1 institutions (Very High Research Activity) leaders are aggressively working to diversify funding sources. This includes strengthening donor partnerships, leaning into private investment, and exploring creative revenue streams. Flexibility is no longer optional; it’s essential. According to Lenora Sevillian, from Nova Southeastern University, “If you have no resiliency, if you have no backup plan, you’re exposed. We’re looking at everything on the board and asking, where can we flex?”
Pivoting Research to Follow the Money
When traditional funding streams get murky, innovative institutions are rethinking their research focus to align with new federal and state priorities. Whether it’s AI, advanced manufacturing, or cost-driven sustainability efforts, schools are positioning themselves to meet the needs of both industry and government. “Are you going after what your researchers want to research—or are you going where the funding is?” asked Cody Powell, of Miami University. “This is a unique opportunity. It’s a pretty big change, and there’s going to be research that isn’t funded. But it’s about recognizing where the opportunities are and if you’re positioned to take advantage of them.”
Changing the Narrative
In a divided political climate, messaging matters. For some schools, a sustainability initiative might be framed as a carbon-reduction effort. For others, it’s a cost-savings play. Leaders are tailoring their approaches to resonate with stakeholders, proving that adaptability extends beyond operations into communication itself. “We don’t make sustainability decisions because it’s pretty—we do them because they’re cost-effective,” Powell added. “We have to craft our story based on who we’re talking to.”
Deepening Partnerships
More than ever, institutions are forging new collaborations to share resources, mitigate risk, and strengthen their offerings. From public-private partnerships to cross-campus alliances, there’s power in numbers—and in transparency. “We’re trying to address these issues through open conversations across our professional organizations,” said Sevillian.
A Lesson in Resilience
Higher education has faced defining moments before. What’s different now is the speed of change and the layers of complexity institutions must manage all at once. But as our board’s discussion reinforced, adaptation isn’t just a survival tactic—it’s a leadership strategy. By staying flexible, creative, and clear-eyed, higher ed can continue to deliver on its core mission, no matter what comes next.
