Inside Higher Ed Names Sara Custer Editor-in-Chief

Inside Higher Ed, the leading source for U.S. higher education news and analysis, has named Sara Custer as editor-in-chief, effective March 2024. Custer, currently an editor at Times Higher Education (THE) and an accomplished higher education journalist, will lead Inside Higher Ed’s editorial staff, working with its talented team of editors and reporters to shape its editorial future.

Custer has since 2020 served as editor of THE Campus, a peer resource site for higher education professionals. There, she worked across departments to launch and grow Campus and led its editorial team. Prior to that role, she served as THE’s digital editor, helping to launch THE’s newsletter strategy and overseeing daily, weekly and monthly publications. She previously served as editor and senior reporter at The PIE News, covering the international education industry. Custer grew up in Cushing, Okla., and earned a B.A. in English literature from Loyola University Chicago and an M.A. in international journalism from City, University of London. 

“I’m honored to be the editor-in-chief of Inside Higher Ed, following in the footsteps of two of the best U.S. higher education journalists, Doug Lederman and Scott Jaschik, who, 20 years ago, dared to do something new,” Custer said. “I can’t wait to lead a newsroom that is so passionate and has a pioneering spirit built into its DNA.”

Custer emerged after a nine-month search led by Inside Higher Ed editor and co-founder Doug Lederman and CEO Dari Gessner. Lederman and Custer will continue to collaborate closely as Custer transitions into this new role. Lederman will provide guidance and support before redirecting his focus to key Inside Higher Ed initiatives, business development, and selected speaking and writing engagements, ensuring a seamless and dynamic partnership with Custer and an exciting new chapter for Inside Higher Ed.

Inside Higher Ed will share more about Custer’s appointment in January 2024 and will introduce her to readers and the broader higher education community throughout early 2024.

For more information, please contact publishing@insidehighered.com.