2023 Higher Education Year in Review and 2024 Predictions

Changing Higher Ed

Welcome to our 2023 Higher Education Year in Review and Predictions for 2024 podcast. In this episode, Deborah Maue, Aurora University Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing, and Dr. Drumm McNaughton review last year's 2023 higher education predictions and provide insights into the unexpected developments and what to prepare for in 2024.

Review of the 2023 Predictions

1. Continuing Decline in College Enrollment: The prediction of a continued decline in college enrollment in 2023 was accurate. Factors like federal COVID assistance played a significant role in sustaining institutions, especially smaller colleges. This trend particularly impacted institutions with enrollments under 1500 students, leading to various strategic responses like forming alliances and sharing resources.
2. Colleges and Universities Mergers and Closures: The predicted trend of colleges and universities closing or merging continued in 2023, driven by financial pressures and declining enrollments. Strategic collaborations and adaptations were seen as a response to these pressures.
3. Hybrid and Fully Online Models: There was an increase in hybrid and fully online educational models in colleges and universities in 2023. However, the oversupply of these programs relative to student demand posed sustainability concerns.
4. Political Impact in Higher Ed: The impact of politics on higher education continued to be significant in 2023. The political climate influenced campus environments and policies across various states.
5. Growth of Alternative Credentials: The higher education sector saw substantial growth in alternative credentials. However, challenges in institutional implementation and market recognition persisted.
6. Increasing Complexity of University Presidents’ Roles: The complexity of the roles of university presidents escalated, with presidential tenures decreasing. This trend points to growing pressures and responsibilities in higher education leadership.
7. Technology Driving Innovation: Technology, especially AI, continued to drive innovation in higher education. However, challenges remain in fully integrating these technologies.
8. Faculty Governance: Faculty governance in higher education adapted to new challenges, showing resilience and flexibility in the face of changing governance demands.

2023 Higher Education Year in Review: Unexpected Developments in Higher Education

• Intensified political involvement, especially in states like Florida.
• Leadership changes at major universities reflect the growing politicization in university governance.
• Declining public confidence in higher education, with the perceived gap between skills acquired by graduates and employer expectations.

Dr. Drumm McNaughton’s Top 10 Higher Education Predictions for 2024 →

Read the extended show summary and the show transcript on our website →

About Our Special Host Deborah Maue

Deb Maue is the Aurora University Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing.

Over the past 25+ years, Deborah has been helping organizations drive growth through strategic consumer branding, product development, and organizational development. She has led highly successful consumer marketing initiatives in highly complex organizations in consumer packaged goods, higher education, and agency settings.

After getting an MBA at Northwestern’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Deb started her career at Helene Curtis (now part of Unilever), leading and developing innovative products for large and successful brands, including Axe, Dove, Degree, and Suave.

Since transitioning to the higher education sector, she has developed and implemented unique and compelling brand stories for large public and private universities, healthcare universities, law schools, and independent K-12 schools. She is a sought-after speaker and regular contributor to Inside Higher Ed’s Call to Action blog.

About Our Podcast Guest

Dr. Drumm McNaughton, CEO of The Change Leader, is a consultant to higher education institutions in governance, accreditation, strategy and change, and mergers. To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm’s website: https://changinghighered.com/.

The Change Leader’s Social Media Links

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdrumm/
• Twitter: @thechangeldr
• Email: [e-mail]

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