Beyond the Quad: Controversial Appointments

In this week's latest, Santa Ono's appointment as UF's next president is rejected, the UT Austin president’s provost pick sparks faculty concerns and Florida appoints a new Education Commissioner.

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Sharing Your Glimmers of Hope

We asked what’s been keeping you going—and you answered! Below are just a few of the heartfelt, inspiring messages we’ve received:

“Honestly, I keep going because every time I want to give up, I think of those that went before me to pave the way for me to even be where I am now. They had to work with much less under enormous challenges and difficulties, sacrificing their freedom, dignity and lives. I owe it to their legacy to keep going and see it through.”

“I am inspired by knowing the future professionals we are privileged to teach will be making a difference in the health of their patients. Seeing the students' excitement and motivation grow as they recognize the impact they can have on others fuels my internal motivation to continue teaching. Secondly, working with a strong, positive, diverse and professional team is critical to my continued love of teaching!”

---

What you do matters.

You’re already receiving high-impact insights straight to your inbox—because you care deeply about this work. We're here to fuel your purpose, progress, and sense of possibility. Because together, there’s nothing we can’t do.

Weekly News Roundup:

Higher Ed News Roundup: June 4

Florida Board Rejects Santa Ono’s Appointment to Lead UF Amid Political Backlash

Academic Freedom Under Fire as States Advance Higher Ed Curriculum Laws

Our Exclusive Stories:

Funding Cuts to STEM Research Threaten U.S. Innovation and Global Competitiveness: In labs and lecture halls across the United States, the effects of sweeping federal budget cuts are being felt in full force. Proposed reductions in research funding and the abrupt cancellation of…

STEM to Service: New Chicago Program Prepares Students for Energy Sector and Military Academies: A new collaboration between Chicago Public Schools (CPS), City Colleges of Chicago, and ComEd—the city’s primary electrical utility company—is creating direct pathways into science and engineering careers for students from underrepresented communities,…

What LGBTQIA+ Students Should Know When Choosing a College: College is a big step—and for LGBTQIA+ students, it can come with added layers of complexity. These days, higher education isn’t just about academics; it’s also about navigating a political and campus…

---

Insight Into Academia Webinar: Navigating Supplier Inclusion in a Changing Regulatory Landscape

College and university supplier diversity/inclusion programs are facing unprecedented challenges, as they are being negatively impacted along with other campus efforts by anti-DEI legislation and subsequent changes that institutions are being forced to make.

Insight Into Academia is excited to bring together a panel of leading experts in supplier inclusion programs, procurement policies, and legal compliance to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to sustain your institution’s supplier inclusion efforts—even in a climate of resistance.

Register here today!

---

The Health Professions HEED Award honors U.S. and Canadian medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, and health profession schools committed to cultivating community, belonging, and excellence in health care education. Deadline: 6/12

Is this your first time applying? Check out the top 10 reasons to work collaboratively with your colleagues. Start your application today! »

---

This Week’s Featured Careers:

Thinking about a career change? Visit our bustling online Career Center to search for your next position with sought-after employers who understand the value of an inclusive workforce. Looking for fresh talent? Post your available position(s) with confidence, knowing our reach spans all categories of highly qualified folks in higher education, government, and corporate America.

Director of Housing and Residence Life, Agnes Scott College

Senior Director of Philanthropy, Frontier Nursing University

Accompanist, Irvine Valley College

Director of Athletics Communications, Middlebury College

Visiting Instructor Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling, Naropa University

Director of Admission, Rollins College

Assistant Director of Global Career Strategy & Partnerships, Suffolk University

Clinical Instructor, Nephrology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Postdoctoral Researcher, Electrochemical Engineering Research Group, University of Kansas

Dean, College of Science & Mathematics, University of Massachusetts Boston

Tired of guessing what your campus really needs? When enrollment is down, morale is shaky, and surveys feel like they go nowhere, Viewfinder gives you real answers. Our climate survey tool turns data into action, helping you listen, lead, and create meaningful change with confidence.

---

Beyond the Quadcast – Unfiltered conversations with higher ed leaders who are navigating the same storms—and lighting the way forward.

Higher Ed Chat Forum – A judgment-free space to connect, ask big questions, and learn from people who get it. Skip the flights and name tags—connect with higher ed pros across the country, share challenges, swap wins, and get real-time support inside our exclusive Higher Ed Chat Forum. Your next breakthrough might just start with a message.

Actionable Toolkits – No jargon, just real strategies for real challenges—from burnout to campus climate to leadership under pressure.

Powerful Op-Eds – Brave, bold, and necessary reads from the people reshaping higher ed’s future.

🛠️ Toolkits That Actually Work
No fluff, no filler—just expert-crafted guides you can use right now.

This week’s toolkit: How to Recover From Burnout

Perspective You Can Trust
Get early access to Beyond the Quadcast episodes for fresh conversations with higher ed leaders, and useful toolkits you can’t get anywhere else.