Independent colleges and universities once felt secure in the assumption that the state and federal governments will take a hands-off approach to their institutions. No more: governments are launching investigations, threatening state tuition grants, and using other novel tactics to interfere with governance, curricula, and mission-critical programs. In this session, a president and provosts from Iowa and Indiana—two states where political pressures on independent higher ed have been especially intense—will provide candid accounts about how their leadership teams worked to defend mission and institutional autonomy while supporting faculty, staff, and students. Panelists will share lessons learned that can be applied in developing a game plan to meet similar challenges.
Beth Frankenstein, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Buena Vista University (IA)
Brian A. Lenzmeier, President, Buena Vista University (IA)
Todd F. McDorman, Dean of the College and Professor of Rhetoric, Wabash College (IN)
Moderator: Jacqueline Pfeffer Merrill, Senior Director of Civic Learning and Free Expression Projects, Council of Independent Colleges