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A collage of elements that impacted college presidents in 2025.
A collage of elements that impacted college presidents in 2025.

A Bad Year for College Presidents

January 16, 2026

In 2025, higher ed leaders struggled to navigate a flurry of federal policy changes and pressures from state lawmakers, which pushed some leaders out. Most stayed silent.

Vanderbuilt University spreading across a map of the United States
Vanderbuilt University spreading across a map of the United States
Street-side view of people at the campus of the University of Nebraska in downtown Lincoln next to a portrait of former chancellor Rodney Bennett.
Street-side view of people at the campus of the University of Nebraska in downtown Lincoln next to a portrait of former chancellor Rodney Bennett.

Nebraska Chancellor’s Hasty Exit Raises Questions

January 14, 2026

University of Nebraska–Lincoln chancellor Rodney Bennett left six months before his contract ended, with a $1.1 million exit package, amid faculty outrage over program cuts.

The Rotunda of the University of Virginia, designed by Thomas Jefferson, along with a statue of him.
The Rotunda of the University of Virginia, designed by Thomas Jefferson, along with a statue of him.

UVA Board Members Blast Lawmakers, Faculty in Texts

January 9, 2026

Text messages obtained by a public records request reveal that University of Virginia board members freely shared criticism and outrage amid recent campus tensions.

A campus image of the University of Western Florida next to a portrait of Interim President Manny Diaz Jr., a light-skinned man with a beard and glasses.
A campus image of the University of Western Florida next to a portrait of Interim President Manny Diaz Jr., a light-skinned man with a beard and glasses.

West Florida Finalizes Hire of Former GOP Lawmaker

January 9, 2026

The university hired former Republican lawmaker and state official Manny Diaz Jr., despite criticism of the search process and other outstanding concerns.

A photo of the campus of Saint Augustine's University.
A photo of the campus of Saint Augustine's University.
Campus image of Martin University, a private college in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Campus image of Martin University, a private college in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The University of Virginia rotunda next to an image of incoming president Scott Beardsley, a white man with white hair, wearing a blue suit and tie.
The University of Virginia rotunda next to an image of incoming president Scott Beardsley, a white man with white hair, wearing a blue suit and tie.

UVA Presidential Hire Raises Process Concerns

January 7, 2026

The University of Virginia hired a familiar face to lead the university, but he’s starting the job with a trust deficit due to board politics and the circumstances surrounding his hire.