The resignation of James Ryan as president of the University of Virginia is seen as a concerning precedent for other universities, as it marks the first time the federal government has openly linked institutional leadership changes to grant funding. Institutions like Harvard and Columbia have also faced aggressive demands from the Trump administration, raising fears that university autonomy is at risk and similar interventions could spread throughout higher education, threatening DEI programs and reshaping campus leadership.

Leaders may be tempted to judge others harshly in stressful situations, but true leadership requires assuming positive intent and practicing empathy even when it's difficult, management consultant Marc Cugnon writes. Leaders who view colleagues as adversaries can undermine morale and collaboration, while those who support rather than blame can help colleagues feel valued and trusted, leading to better personal and productivity outcomes, Cugnon notes.

Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, has sent financial aid estimates to 16,000 high-school seniors who have expressed interest in the college before applying. The initiative is part of the college's efforts to help students make informed decisions during their senior year.

Cybersecurity leaders at Link Oregon's annual meeting stressed the importance of demonstrating the business impact of cyber incidents to senior executives. Rachel Wente-Chaney, CIO of High Desert Education Service District, suggested using real-life scenarios, such as payroll disruptions, to highlight the importance of business continuity. University of Oregon CISO Jose Dominguez advocated using AI to enhance cybersecurity training and recommended conducting risk assessments before investing in new tools.

The University of Texas Permian Basin offers a fully online master's degree in special education, allowing students to learn from anywhere. The program is suitable for aspiring and experienced educators, allowing them to advance their careers while accommodating their schedules. Students from across the globe enroll in the program, and many find it beneficial for personal or professional reasons, such as helping a child or relative with a disability or expanding their expertise after years in the field.