What’s Fueling the Collapse in Public Trust in Higher Education
Release Date: 04/15/2025
What’s Fueling the Collapse in Public Trust in Higher Education
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Public confidence in colleges and universities has dropped dramatically—only a third of Americans say they trust higher education. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton talks with Dr. Courtney Brown, Vice President of Strategic Impact and Planning at Lumina Foundation, about Gallup–Lumina’s latest findings and what institutional leaders must do to address the affordability and workforce relevance concerns behind this erosion of trust. They also explore Lumina’s new 2040 goal: 75% credential attainment—with a focus on value, not just completion. What we cover in this episode: Gallup...
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Justin Kollinger, Senior Risk Management Consultant at United Educators (UE), brings valuable perspective in helping colleges and universities develop strategic risk initiatives. As co-author of "Risk Management: An Accountability Guide for University and College Boards" and creator of UE's annual Top 10 Risks report, Kollinger works with institution leaders to develop strategic risk initiatives, prioritize risk management goals, and launch enterprise risk management programs. Higher Ed's Current Risk & Liability Environment The higher education sector faces what United Educators calls...
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info_outlinePublic confidence in colleges and universities has dropped dramatically—only a third of Americans say they trust higher education. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton talks with Dr. Courtney Brown, Vice President of Strategic Impact and Planning at Lumina Foundation, about Gallup–Lumina’s latest findings and what institutional leaders must do to address the affordability and workforce relevance concerns behind this erosion of trust.
They also explore Lumina’s new 2040 goal: 75% credential attainment—with a focus on value, not just completion.
What we cover in this episode:
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Gallup data on declining public trust in higher education
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The ROI paradox: affordability vs. long-term economic benefit
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Why public perception is shifting—even as current students see value
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What Lumina’s 75x2040 goal means for institutional strategy
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How colleges can realign offerings to workforce expectations
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Supporting adult learners and restoring trust through transparency
Read the full show summary and access the transcript here:
https://changinghighered.com/public-trust-in-higher-education-lumina/
#HigherEducation #CollegeAffordability #CollegeROI
About Our Guest
Dr. Courtney Brown is Vice President of Strategic Impact and Planning at Lumina Foundation. She leads research, learning, and strategic initiatives aimed at increasing access to quality credentials for all Americans.
About the Host
Dr. Drumm McNaughton is CEO of The Change Leader and host of the Changing Higher Ed podcast. He works with higher education boards and leadership teams to improve governance, lead strategic transformation, and navigate accreditation and institutional effectiveness.