Dear Reader,

Higher education is flying straight into headwinds: deepening polarization, rising costs and growing skepticism from the very public that universities are meant to serve. But research shows that despite the turbulence, the public still believes in the core educational mission of universities, although that trust is uneven. 

We invite you to join us for a webinar led by our Executive Editor Beth Daley to explore where the cracks in confidence lie and what universities can do to regain the public’s trust.

Our speakers are well-known leaders and researchers who have much to say on the topic: E. Gordon Gee, a longtime leader in higher education and former president of West Virginia University; David Rosowsky, distinguished leader in higher education and senior advisor to President Michael Crow at Arizona State University; and Stephen M. Gavazzi, professor in the Department of Human Sciences and Director of CHRR, Ohio State University’s center for data and survey excellence.

Our panelists will share key findings from their new research: the nuances of trust, where universities need to improve, and their guidance on how to respond. Because with concerns about confidence in research and funding opportunities on the line, there’s more at stake than just reputation.

• What: How Higher Ed can rebuild trust with the public

• When: Wednesday, April 22, 3 p.m. Eastern/noon Pacific

• Where: Zoom. Please sign up here

• Who:

E. Gordon Gee has been a leader in higher education for more than four decades. He is currently retired, after serving for a second time as president of West Virginia University. In 2009, Time magazine named him one of the top 10 university presidents in the United States. Recently, the website Great Value Colleges named him the nation’s top university president. In addition to his service at West Virginia University, which continues in retirement, Gee served as president of The Ohio State University (twice), Vanderbilt University, Brown University and the University of Colorado.

David Rosowsky is a distinguished academic leader and national voice in higher education. Currently serving as senior advisor to President Michael Crow at Arizona State University, Dr. Rosowsky leverages over 20 years of experience in senior university leadership to help vision and implement enterprise-level design strategies for the “New American University.” Prior to joining ASU, he served as a VPR, provost, dean of engineering and department head at leading research universities.

Stephen M. Gavazzi is a professor in the Department of Human Sciences and is director of CHRR at The Ohio State University, Ohio State’s center for data and survey excellence. Dr. Gavazzi is known for his work on a variety of higher education issues. His book Land-Grant Universities for the Future (co-authored with E. Gordon Gee) was published in 2018 by Johns Hopkins University Press. Gavazzi and Gee also are co-authors of the book What’s Public About Public Higher Ed? That was published in October 2021 by Johns Hopkins University Press. Professor Gavazzi also co-edited (with David Staley) the book Fulfilling the 21st Century Land-Grant Mission for The Ohio State University Press in 2020.

We look forward to seeing you on the 22nd for this timely discussion.

With thanks,