A year into the second Trump administration, college presidents continue to navigate political shifts and changing headwinds in Washington, DC, leaving higher education leaders uncertain about the future of the federal funding landscape. Leaders are faced with new questions such as: Could accepting federal funding mean conceding institutional viewpoints? What kinds of alternative funding sources can supplement federally funded projects? How can I protect my institution from being targeted? This panel will cover how three presidents from CIC institutions have addressed unforeseen challenges, are preparing for new funding and government relations opportunities, and developing offensive and defensive strategies for 2026.
Jessica Gerrity, Senior Vice President, McAllister and Quinn
Bryon Grigsby, President, Moravian University (PA)
Valerie Kinloch, President, Johnson C. Smith University (NC)
John McAllister, Managing Partner, McAllister and Quinn
Donald Taylor, President, University of Detroit Mercy (MI)