From Rachel Toor
We encourage all presidents and chancellors, no matter which sector they serve, to come to the Inside Higher Ed office when they’re in town and meet with our editorial staff. No kidding: We welcome everyone, even those of you at Ivies.
This helps us better understand the current state of higher ed and gives leaders a chance to tell us about cool things happening on their campuses. The vibe is friendly and relaxed (and there are snacks).
These conversations are off the record. Go ahead and bring your comms people, but when I asked our editors what they look for they said, candor, candor, candor. Presidents who knew Doug Lederman for decades were often the most fun because they knew he wouldn’t hold anything against them when they got real. In fact, he always said hearing the full stories helped him make better editorial calls.
Sometimes editors get ideas for coverage—often good news–type stories—but they ask permission before pursuing any line of reporting.
I’ve been Zooming into these meeting for the past two years, and there have been many great conversations.
And also some that weren’t a good use of anyone’s time. I’ve been disappointed to hear from those who can’t read the room, lecture like the professors they were, or won’t move off the talking points they use with donors and alumni.
I try not to blame people for not knowing what they don’t know. New leaders may not have been well prepped for these kinds of conversations. They’re smart to be careful, but the better your relationships with the media, the better your coverage will be.
If, like many of our current students, you have given up on reading, you can listen to this freaky amazing scary podcast discussing this issue of The Sandbox. (I have seen the future and it is AI-generated.)
Here’s hoping for a not horrific great 2025.