Repositioning America’s Colleges and Universities: Strategies for institutions facing demographic and economic challenges in the wake of COVID-19

Presented by Mills College, the Kresge Foundation, and Chatham University

Higher education institutions in America are facing unprecedented challenges. Articles published daily remind us of how the Covid-19 pandemic has forced hundreds of colleges and universities to question their futures. But Covid-19 did not cause this looming crisis in higher education; it simply amplified structural flaws that have plagued America’s higher education industry for the last decade.

In this session, Shea O’Neill of U3 Advisors will present research  developed in partnership with brightspot strategy highlighting the demographic and economic challenges facing higher education today, how they have been augmented by COVID-19, and what strategies can best position institutions for a brighter future. A panel discussion led by Omar Blaik of U3 Advisors and featuring Beth Hillman, President of Mills College, Wendy Jackson, Managing Director of the Detroit Program at the Kresge Foundation, and David Finegold, President of Chatham University will focus on creative approaches and interventions employed in Oakland, CA, Detroit, MI, and Pittsburgh, PA.