Washington Update: Implications of the 2024 Elections on Higher Ed — Part 1
Release Date: 12/10/2024
How Utah State Is Using a Connected Campus to Boost Student Engagement and Persistence
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Digital transformation in higher education often focuses on technology. But for Utah State University, the transformation has been about outcomes: improving retention, strengthening equity, and building scalable systems of support without overhauling infrastructure. In this episode of the , speaks with , about how the institution designed and implemented a connected campus strategy that integrates advising, communications, and academic support into a single mobile-first platform. Drawing on her decades of experience in higher ed and edtech leadership, Eborn shares how USU replaced...
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Strategies to Help Adult Learners Re-Enroll and Graduate
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How Cross-Sector Partnerships Help Adult Learners Return, Persist, and Complete Degrees With over 41 million adults in the U.S. holding some college credit but no degree, colleges and universities are under pressure to implement effective adult learner enrollment strategies. In this episode of the , Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with about how institutions can re-engage students who have stopped out through cross-sector partnerships that support enrollment, retention, and degree completion. Drawing on their real-world experience in higher education and workforce development, McNaughton and...
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High Structure Course Design for Student Engagement, Retention, and Success
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Higher education leaders are searching for better ways to engage students, improve retention, and close equity gaps—especially in the wake of COVID-related learning disruptions. In this episode of the podcast, speaks with , Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Teaching Professor in Chemical and Biological Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. They discuss Dr. Shaffer’s book, , which offers a proven framework for transforming student outcomes. High structure course design—built on clarity, repetition, feedback, and engagement—originated in STEM education but is now...
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Shared Services and Consolidation Strategies for Small Colleges
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Shared services and consolidation strategies are helping struggling small colleges stabilize operations, reduce costs, and pursue sustainable growth—without compromising institutional identity or student outcomes. In this episode of the , host speaks with , about how these approaches are being used to help small colleges strengthen efficiency and financial sustainability. Drawing on his experience helping small colleges modernize their operations through cloud-based student information systems, Duggan explores how shared services, academic partnerships, and digital transformation are...
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Adding Leadership Development to Academic Curriculum Design in Higher Ed
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While higher education leaders often cite leadership development as a priority, few institutions treat it as a teachable, measurable skill. In this episode of , host speaks with about why leadership education should be integrated into the academic curriculum—and how institutions can implement it effectively. President Emeritus of Tulane University, Cowen shares insights from leading the university through Hurricane Katrina and from his new book, Lead and Succeed, which outlines strategies to develop leadership skills in students and early-career professionals. He dispels the “born...
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When DEI Is Off the Table: How Higher Ed Leaders Can Still Drive Institutional Change
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Higher education’s approach to DEI is under fire—from political pressure, public skepticism, and internal fatigue. But abandoning DEI isn’t the only option. In this episode of , Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with about how higher ed institutions can continue to drive inclusive institutional change—without relying on traditional DEI frameworks that may no longer be viable. Sturm, author of What Might Be: Confronting Racism to Transform Our Institutions, reframes DEI as a long-term, systems-level strategy rooted in leadership, trust, and organizational learning. She introduces the concept...
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Aligning Higher Ed with Workforce Needs and Nontraditional Learners
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Higher education is facing a growing disconnect between traditional academic pathways and the needs of today’s learners and employers. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Kathleen deLaski, founder of Education Design Lab and author of Who Needs College Anymore?, about how institutions can realign academic programs to better serve nontraditional students and meet workforce demands. Drawing from her experience supporting over 1,200 colleges and regional systems, deLaski explores how modular credentials, skills-based learning, and short-term...
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Confronting the Storm: Resistance to Change and Current Attacks on Higher Education
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Higher education faces increasing external pressures and diminishing public trust—creating an urgent need for institutional adaptation. In this episode of the , speaks with , former president of Macalister College and author of "," about why resistance to change has made colleges and universities particularly vulnerable to current attacks. Drawing on his 17 years of presidential experience and current perspective as a Harvard visiting professor, Rosenberg analyzes the economic, political, and structural factors undermining public confidence in higher education while offering candid...
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Higher Education Strategic Planning That Drives Growth and Faculty Buy-In
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isn't just about setting goals—it's about building the kind of stakeholder engagement and leadership alignment that can drive lasting institutional change. In this episode of , speaks with , President of the College of Charleston, about how a collaborative planning process helped increase enrollment, launch new academic schools, and move the college toward national university status. Drawing on his background in both industry and higher education, Dr. Hsu shares insights into balancing urgency with collaboration, the importance of faculty engagement, and the realities of leading strategic...
info_outlineHigher Education Expert Analysis of Anticipated Federal Policy Changes Under the Incoming Administration
Part 1 of this two-part podcast welcomes back Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies and our Washington Update expert, to examine how the 2024 US elections will transform higher education. Drawing from over three decades of policy expertise on The Hill, Netting provides an insider's perspective on the anticipated changes a Trump administration and Republican Congress could bring to higher education.
The conversation unpacks major shifts within the Department of Education, from FAFSA modernization and Title IX overhaul to the future of student loan repayment. Netting addresses pressing questions about federal funding streams, potential departmental restructuring, and the impact of new IT security regulations. The discussion culminates in a penetrating analysis of how evolving ROI metrics could fundamentally alter higher education funding decisions.
Overview What Higher Education Leaders Will Gain from Listening to This Podcast
Higher Education Implications of the 2024 Election – Part 1
- The incoming presidential administration is expected to bring significant changes to the Department of Education, moving much faster than it did in the previous administration. Key personnel appointments are being announced quickly and are comprised of a more seasoned team.
- Netting doesn’t believe the Department of Education will be abolished but expects significant changes in how it is run, particularly with Linda McMahon as the nominee for Secretary of Education. Her background suggests the Department will be run more like a business with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility.
- Higher education leaders should be prepared to embrace potential changes, some of which might be positive. For example, the administration is expected to address the challenges with the FAFSA form and the administration of student financial aid, issues that have led to a decline in applications.
Federal Higher Education Reform: Key Policy Changes for 2025
Key areas of change within the Department of Education likely include:
- Title IX: The current Title IX regulations are facing legal challenges, with 26 states blockading the regulations as put forward and 24 states trying to implement them in the new iteration, which is causing chaos for institutions. The new administration may revisit these regulations.
- Gainful Employment and Financial Value Transparency Regulations: All institutions, not just proprietary or those subject to loss of eligibility, are supposed to submit information on all of their student cohorts to the Department of Education by January 15th. These regulations, requiring institutions to submit data on student cohorts and completers lists, are facing scrutiny and potential revision under the new administration.
- Income-Contingent Based Repayment Plans: The administration will need to address the upcoming deadline for student loan repayments and may revise existing income-driven repayment plans. Netting succinctly explains the difference in opinion between Republicans and Democrats on student loan repayment.
- Return on Investment (ROI) in Higher Education: The new administration is likely to focus on the ROI of higher education, potentially using a calculation similar to the one used for “exemplary institutions” under the previous administration. This could lead to an assessment of ROI across all sectors of higher education and influence funding decisions. The major difference, however, is that this new equation methodology recognizes a 10-year window, not a 3-year window of earnings potential.
Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders
- Engage with Policymakers: Actively engaging with policymakers at both the state and federal levels. This involves understanding their priorities, building relationships, and advocating for policies that support higher education.
- Prioritize Cybersecurity: The increasing focus on cybersecurity, particularly the NIST 800-171 regulations, makes cybersecurity a top priority. This includes investing in necessary infrastructure and personnel to ensure compliance and protect sensitive data.
- Focus on Workforce Development: Place a high priority on workforce development and the need for higher education institutions to align their programs with the needs of the economy. This includes forging partnerships with businesses and industries to provide relevant training and ensure graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.
Higher Education Policy Outlook 2025
Overall, it is recommended higher education anticipate a period of significant change under the new administration. Leaders should stay informed about policy developments, particularly those related to the issues listed above, and be prepared to adapt to a new regulatory environment.
Join us next week for Part 2 of this Washington Update with Tom Netting on anticipated changes coming in 2025 with the new administration.
Read the transcript on our website at https://changinghighered.com/washington-update-implications-of-the-2024-elections-on-higher-ed-part-1/
#HigherEducation #WashingtonUpdate #HigherEdPolicy
About Our Podcast Guest
Having spent all of his professional career devoted to higher education policy oversight and implementation, Tom Netting has an extensive knowledge of the laws and regulations governing all aspects of higher education. His considerable background and experience have afforded him the opportunity to view the development and implementation of federal higher education and workforce development policy in their entirety – including issues related to higher education and workforce development, health care, veteran affairs policies, and the procurement of federal appropriations.
About the Host
Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.