Navigating the crisis in higher education

Friends. Colleagues. Leaders. At some point, we must discuss what happened, bringing the intellectual curiosity we pride ourselves on and leaving the hurt, frustration and stridency at the door.

But that is for later - not too much later, mind you, but later all the same. 

For now, there’s a higher priority – addressing policies and actions that seem punitive rather than productive. The sudden reduction in overhead costs announced recently by the National Institutes of Health threatens the research infrastructure for finding new and effective treatments for diseases that harm with ruthless efficiency. While the proposed reduction may be rolled back through the courts or via other means, it is safe to assume continuing pressure on and possible decrease in federal research funding. Such actions will adversely impact the critical and meaningful work of many research institutions and will require constant and nimble adaptation. 

Some months ago, I stepped down as chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. “U.S. higher education is struggling,” I wrote. “The risks are profound. The crises are real. And the students—the people—that I care about the most are in danger of being left further behind. I need to help. It’s in my DNA. I am reminded now more than ever of words I was raised with: ‘If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” 

At Baker Tilly, we stand shoulder to shoulder in support of higher education institutions - not just in words but deeds.