Higher Education at an Inflection Point: Courage, Care and Commitment in Challenging Times

 

A Time Unlike Any Other

 

We are living in a moment of profound disruption in our country and within higher education itself. The fabric of American higher education is being tested as never before. From regulatory challenges to cultural shifts, from global crises to local disruptions, the academy is grappling with existential threats that strike at the very heart of its purpose and promise.

 

These challenges are not abstract. They touch our students, our faculty, our staff and our institutional mission in deeply personal ways. Nationally, we are seeing:

 

• Concerns about the decline and erosion of academic freedom
• Questions of identity and belonging
• Disrupted systems of teaching, learning, and research
• Uncertainty around the legitimacy of fields of study
• Immigration changes impacting international students
• Federal investigations creating fear and confusion

 

This is a painful time.  And I use the word painful intentionally. For those of us who have dedicated our lives to higher education, not simply as a career but as a calling, the disruption of our work, the questioning of our values and the anxiety in our communities weigh heavily.

 

And yet, I would not want to be anywhere else.

 

Academic Freedom: A Principle Beyond the Academy

 

Academic freedom is not merely an internal construct of the university, it is a foundational pillar of democracy itself. Born to protect scholarly autonomy, it expanded in the 20th century to become a global principle, essential to a free and open society. It is not simply about protecting the professoriate, it is about ensuring an informed, critical, and engaged citizenry.  Lack of an informed and engaged citizenry poses a broader threat to the health of our democracy.

Navigating Uncertainty: Transparency, Trust, and Care

 

I recognize the desire for certainty in uncertain times. But the truth is, some forces lie beyond our institutional control, whether they originate in federal policy, global pandemics or geopolitical events. In those moments, our role is clear, to care, communicate, educate, model a strong community and support those most directly impacted.

 

At GVSU, we have expanded our communication channels through appointing officer calls, forums, resource hubs, newsletters, outreach and messages in Lakers Ready and the People, Equity and Culture newsletter. These are all part of our work to cascade information responsibly and compassionately.

 

We act with transparency where possible and with discretion where necessary, always guided by the well-being of our people and the principles of education.

GVSU: A University of Impact in a Region on the Rise

 

Despite external headwinds, GVSU continues to thrive, because of who we serve and how we serve.

 

Regional public universities (RPUs) like GVSU are the beating heart of American higher education. RPUs educate nearly 70% of all students attending four-year public institutions, including the majority of first-generation students, students of color, rural students, adult learners, and veterans.

GVSU embodies this mission. We are :

 

• Delivering an education  for a life of purpose and a career of meaning
• Growing in enrollment and academic reach
• Delivering high value with low costs and minimal student debt
• Deeply embedded in our community and region

 

Grand Rapids itself is a rising talent hub. The Heartland of Talent 2025 report by Heartland Forward found:

 

• Grand Rapids leads large Midwestern metros in creative class growth (6.1% growth from 2019-2023)
• Grand Rapids ranks in the top 20 nationally for growth in adults with bachelor’s degrees or higher

 

GVSU is a driver of this progress, preparing students not just for jobs, but for lives of purpose, leadership, and contribution, predominately in our region.

 

Our Path Forward: Resolve, Reflection, and Rest Steps

 

In facing these times, I urge us all to:

 

1. Stay Who We Are

We are educators. We are researchers. We are community builders. While others cut programs or shrink ambitions, we remain focused on serving students and maintaining financial flexibility without compromising our mission.

 

Embrace the “Rest Step.” Like mountain climbers pacing themselves for a steep ascent, we too must find our rest steps. Brief pauses to recalibrate, conserve energy, and care for our people. These moments are not weakness, they are wisdom.

 

Improve and Innovate. We must welcome shared risks and shared rewards. This is an opportunity to:

 

• Rethink research models
• Integrate work and learning more deeply
• Strengthen student support systems
• Expand high-impact practices

 

Seek to ensure all who invest time, talent and treasure in our university; from individuals paying tuition to the government and private philanthropists, are receiving the highest value.

 

2. Unite in Our Work

The external environment provides enough conflict. Internally, we must foster respect, assume positive intent and engage constructively in mission-critical conflict through honest, direct, and meaningful dialogue that advances our shared purpose.

 

3. Provide Stability Where Possible

Whether through communication or operational clarity, we will create pockets of certainty where we can, while holding space for evolving challenges.

 

Choose Hope, Cultivate Joy

In these times, hope is not naïve; it is necessary. Joy is not a luxury, it is an act of autonomy and courage.

 

While others lament the challenges of students today, we will awaken curiosity and uncover potential.

 

While others focus on what they must do, we will focus on what we get to do.

 

While others are mired in policy flux, we will empower learners and elevate lives.

 

While others retreat, GVSU will advance, steadfast in our belief that education transforms individuals and communities.

 

This moment will not strip us of our joy, it will refine our purpose.

 

Let us stand together, a university of possibility, courage, and care.

 

Sincerely,

 

Philomena Mantella, PhD

President

Grand Valley State University