🚨 Deadline extended! Apply by Jan. 26 for AASCU's Stewardship of Public Lands (SOPL) program at Glacier National Park this June! 👇 See more from Joan Brehm, professor and department chair @illinoisstateu.bsky.social, and a 2025 SOPL participant. Apply: tinyurl.com/4f4cccdv #HigherEd #Sustainability

On #MLKDay we reflect on higher ed's role in cultivating true civic leadership. In 1958, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited AASCU member University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff to deliver the commencement address. Learn more: tinyurl.com/3v4fjaa4 Photo courtesy of University of Arkansas Libraries.

The Feb. 9 application deadline for several of AASCU's leadership development programs is fast approaching! Realize your 2026 professional development goals. Limited spots available! Apply now. 🔗: tinyurl.com/49d976pr #HigherEd #LeadershipDevelopment

We’re #Hiring! AASCU is seeking a People and Culture Specialist to support recruitment, onboarding, benefits, and culture-building initiatives—all in service of expanding access and success in higher ed. Learn more and apply: tinyurl.com/3rhwe24r #HumanResources #HigherEdJobs

Regional public colleges also showed strong growth, says AASCU President @drchuckwelch.bsky.social in a @washingtonpost.com article, noting increased enrollment at rural institutions and public HBCUs. Read more about college enrollment hitting a 10-year high: tinyurl.com/3kmjzhyp (sub. req.) #RPUs

AASCU’s new report, Advancing Postsecondary Value, highlights promising practices from RPUs and the policy conditions that support student success. Learn more about the six key findings shaping value-centered innovation across public higher education: tinyurl.com/495u6ms6 #HigherEd #StudentSuccess

Regional public universities are vital to America’s workforce, communities, and promise of opportunity—yet they face growing challenges. AASCU’s 2026 Public Policy Agenda outlines priorities to support students, institutions, and the nation. Read more: tinyurl.com/3kk64uer #HigherEd #Policy

We mourn the passing of Marvalene Hughes, a pioneering higher education leader and a founder of AASCU’s Millennium Leadership Initiative. She passed away Jan. 3. Her leadership and lasting impact will not be forgotten. Read @drchuckwelch.bsky.social’s full statement here: tinyurl.com/45nc5cwh

🎧 Our top-downloaded #AASCUTellingOurStory podcasts of 2025 highlight the conversations that resonated most across regional public higher education, from expanding access and opportunity to strengthening communities through collaboration. Listen here: tinyurl.com/ychp9c49

#DCLI26 wraps up with an "Ask Me Anything" with @wpunj.bsky.social's Richard Helldobler and @sunygeneseo.bsky.social's Mary Toale, followed by closing remarks from Helldobler and AASCU’s Kathleen Scott. Congrats to all participants advancing leadership in higher ed! #HigherEd #LeadershipDevelopment

Day 2 of AASCU’s #DCLI26 centered on strengthening leadership through reflection, practice, and collaboration. With @sunygeneseo.bsky.social Provost Mary Toale, participants explored managing difficult conversations and engaged in peer leadership consulting for shared problem-solving.

#AASCUontheHill brings regional public university leaders to Washington, DC, March 24-25, to meet with federal delegations and advocate for higher education. Watch a message from President and CEO @drchuckwelch.bsky.social and register by the Jan. 16 early bird deadline: tinyurl.com/3ydjk6tp

This afternoon at #DCLI26, participants explored strategic communication and student success in academic leadership. Renea P. Morris from Excelsior University led a session on leading between the lines, followed by insights from April Massey of University of the District of Columbia.

Department chairs kicked off #DCLI26sp today with a welcome from AASCU President and CEO @drchuckwelch.bsky.social and @wpunj.bsky.social President Richard Helldobler. Sessions explored the chair’s role and fostering a culture of wellness—setting the tone for two days of learning.

This week, 37 higher education leaders from across the country are convening in Washington, D.C., for AASCU’s Department Chair Leadership Institute. 🔗 Learn more and meet the January cohort: tinyurl.com/yezffb9s 📸 Photos and highlights coming soon!

🚨 Deadline extended! The proposal deadline for the American Democracy Project at #Compact26 is now Jan. 9. Submit posters or ignite talks and join us in Chicago, March 15–16. 🔗 tinyurl.com/4jjsku6h #HigherEd #CivicEngagement

📫 AASCU has a new address! 1350 Eye St. NW, Suite 810, Washington, DC 20005. New space, same commitment to advancing regional public universities.

❄️ As 2025 comes to a close, we’re grateful for our AASCU members whose dedication continues to shape brighter futures for students and communities nationwide. Celebrate the season with a holiday message from Chuck and Mandy Welch: tinyurl.com/ycyhdfr5

At our 2025 holiday party, the AASCU team gathered for a meaningful celebration, complete with festive ugly sweaters. We reflected on the year, celebrated milestones, and appreciated the incredible people behind our work. ✨

Join us in DC on March 24–25 for #AASCUonTheHill! Campus leaders will meet their federal delegation and advocate for programs supporting RPUs. 🔗: tinyurl.com/3ydjk6tp Read how Stephen H. Kolison Jr., president of @fredoniau.bsky.social, highlights the impact of our institutions on Capitol Hill.

AASCU’s Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI) is built on the power of mentorship. President Ron K. Patterson of Murray State welcomed MLI participant Jamarco R. Clark (@uisedu.bsky.social), showcasing how MLI inspires future leaders. Apply for MLI 2026 by Feb 9: tinyurl.com/49pkfftv

AASCU’s American Democracy Project invites faculty, staff, and administrators to apply for the 2026 Stewardship of Public Lands program at Glacier National Park, June 15–19. Learn more and apply: tinyurl.com/4f4cccdv Hear from 2025 participant Pamela Martin from Coastal Carolina University below.

MacKenzie Scott has made historic, transformational gifts to three more AASCU member institutions! $50M to @calstateeastbay.bsky.social $50M to @lehmancollege.bsky.social $38M to @ucmerced.bsky.social 🔗: Cal State East Bay and Lehman College: tinyurl.com/5522y6x6 UC Merced: tinyurl.com/3mh72ar7

AI is reshaping higher ed. Is your campus adapting? Join AASCU this March in Washington, DC, to explore AI trends, implementation strategies, and insights on policy, research, and funding to support campus readiness. Learn more: tinyurl.com/yc5rt7mv #HigherEd #AI

Discover how @csumb.bsky.social is shaping tomorrow’s technologists! 🎧: tinyurl.com/mr2aa78x In a new #AASCUTellingOurStory episode, hear from the leaders and alumni behind the Computing Talent Initiative and CSin3, a three-year computer science degree pathway.

We’re gearing up for our annual AASCU holiday video, and President and CEO @drchuckwelch.bsky.social, alongside his wife, Mandy, have been hard at work bringing this year’s message to life. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the filming process! ❄️ Stay tuned. The full video is coming soon!

Strengthen your institution’s strategic vision with AASCU Consulting’s Strategic Planning Collaborative. Build a customized roadmap grounded in promising practices and aligned with key student success outcomes. Apply by Dec. 19: tinyurl.com/3y3rvaud #HigherEd #StrategicPlanning

Join our team! AASCU’s search for a VP of Administration and Finance is nearing its application deadline. We’re seeking a mission-driven leader to guide financial strategy and key operations. Apply by Dec. 8: tinyurl.com/5br89ex6 #Hiring #HigherEdJobs #Finance

Share your ideas and innovations to shape the future of the American Democracy Project (ADP)! We invite poster and ignite talk proposals for ADP at Compact26 in Chicago, March 15–16. Submit by Jan 5: tinyurl.com/4jjsku6h #HigherEd #CivicEngagement

This #GivingTuesday, we’re celebrating transformative generosity! MacKenzie Scott has given more historic gifts to AASCU members: $38M to TAMU–Kingsville: tinyurl.com/3tppvf6r $63M to @ncatsuaggies.bsky.social: tinyurl.com/4m2u5ntn $17M to Northeastern State University: tinyurl.com/3k8wukw2

Join us this Wednesday for AASCU's Washington Policy Update. Get the latest on federal rehiring after the shutdown, the administration’s commitment to CR funding agreements, and full-year funding for the VA and Agriculture (including SNAP). Register: tinyurl.com/3w4bnupc #HigherEd #EdPolicy

Happy #IEW2025! 🌍✨ We’re proud to celebrate the global learning experiences that broaden perspectives and prepare students to engage in an interconnected world. Don’t miss tomorrow’s AASCU and @cfr.org Education webinar on Global Learning: tinyurl.com/mt95xf52

AASCU’s Lisa Hunter and Samantha Raynor presented at Complete College #CCANext2025, leading a session on removing barriers to degree completion through student-centered course scheduling. Learn more: tinyurl.com/32czza58 #HigherEd #StudentSuccess

Following #AASCU25, presidents and campus leaders who participate in the SSEI Initiative are attending a two-day SSEI Impact and Sustainability Summit to reflect on progress and share strategies to sustain #StudentSuccess. Learn more about the impact: tinyurl.com/2h995mtt

#AASCU25 is officially wrapped! Thank you to our speakers, moderators, partners, and everyone who joined us for a week of connection and shared learning. See you next year in Savannah!

Ora H. Pescovitz, president of @oaklandu.bsky.social, has been elected chair of AASCU’s Board of Directors. University of South Carolina Upstate Chancellor Bennie L. Harris will serve as chair-elect. Read the release: tinyurl.com/yaj4wrjm Congratulations!

We were treated to an incredible performance by the Middle Tennessee State University Steel Drum Ensemble at the #AASCU25! Thank you to @mtsuofficial.bsky.social for sharing your students’ talent with our community.

Day 3 at #AASCU25 continues with "The Power of Story + Unlocking Your Creativity." Walter Parkes and @tvparrot.bsky.social share how storytelling and creative strategies can engage students, inspire leaders, and communicate institutional value.

Congrats to @sunygeneseo.bsky.social alumna Clare Cusack of the New York Bankers Association on receiving the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award! "My work has been rooted in the belief that we have a responsibility to lift people up and open doors, not close them." Read: tinyurl.com/4pnphdum #AASCU25

Thank you to the Tennessee Tech University Student Jazz Combo for setting the perfect tone before lunch today at #AASCU25. We’re grateful for these talented musicians!

Day 3 at #AASCU25 continues with a plenary on leading regional public universities in a time of change. The panel features Jacob Fraire, Allison Garrett, and Anton Vincent, and is moderated by @nytimes.com’s Alan Blinder.

AASCU’s government relations team delivered a timely federal policy update this morning at #AASCU25, outlining key legislative developments and federal actions affecting RPUs. Want to stay informed? Register for the policy update webinar on Dec. 3: tinyurl.com/3w4bnupc

The #AASCU25 opening plenary, "Imagine the Possible," brings together AASCU's @drchuckwelch.bsky.social, Alisa White of Sam Houston State, and keynote speaker Gerard Puccio of SUNY Buffalo State to explore new ideas for the future of public higher education.

We were honored to be joined by the Austin Peay Brass Quintet during today’s lunch program. Thank you to Austin Peay State University for allowing us to showcase these exceptionally talented students! #AASCU25

Today, women presidents and chancellors at #AASCU25 gathered to connect, reflect, and strengthen resilient leadership. The session featured a thoughtful panel conversation, peer consulting, and a grounding mindfulness practice to close. 💫

Her generosity continues! MacKenzie Scott's gifts to Winston-Salem State University, Norfolk State University, Bowie State University, and Prairie View A&M University will fuel possibilities for students, expand institutional capacity, and help the powerful work happening on these campuses. #HBCU

AASCU's 2025 Annual Conference is officially in full swing! Presidents and chancellors from across the country are coming together in Nashville to share ideas and explore innovative ways to advance student success and higher education. Follow the convo for highlights at #AASCU25! #HigherEd

Welcome to Nashville! 🎶 #AASCU25 begins today with a special tour of the National Museum of African American Music, where attendees are exploring an inspiring space that celebrates the power of culture, history, and sound. #HigherEd

Come join our team! AASCU is seeking a strategic and experienced Vice President of Administration and Finance to drive operational excellence and financial sustainability. Learn more and apply: tinyurl.com/5br89ex6 #Hiring #HigherEdJobs #Finance

Join AASCU and @cfr.org Education on Nov. 20 (1–2 p.m. ET) for an #IEW2025 webinar on Global Learning as a Pathway to Civic Education. Explore how global affairs literacy fosters civic engagement and hear insights from AASCU member leaders. 🔗: tinyurl.com/mt95xf52 #HigherEd