Inside Higher Ed

Humans have long retreated to special spaces to cultivate the mind. The library, the monastery, the scientific laboratory—the university itself—have, across cultures and times, enabled particular kinds of thinking: deep study, contemplation of the transcendent, scientific experimentation, the pursuit of truths unclouded by political interests.

Nearly a year after first announcing plans to change the name of Virginia Wesleyan University, officials at the now Batten University have made the switch official.

The 250th celebrations of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on campuses and in cities across the country encourage us to think more deeply about our nation’s founding. But while we reflect on independence and what it means to be “American,” it’s also kind of a weird time for history and higher ed. The tension shows up in two places this week: how the past is being interpreted and how colleges are facing historical reform.

Earlier this week, I posted some thoughts on a question a reader asked about how common it is for people who work at colleges or universities to send their own kids there, and what the thought processes behind that decision are. I ended by asking my wise and worldly readers for their thoughts. I may have mentioned this before, but I have the best readers ever. Folks stepped up.

Course availability has long been a barrier to college completion, forcing some students to delay graduation when required classes aren’t offered—or even transfer elsewhere to stay on track.

Colleges and universities are seizing the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence as an opportunity to facilitate community reflection about the complexities of the nation’s history—and what it means for the future of democracy. That reflection has taken on many forms, including essay contests, art installations, lectures, quilting bees, civic dialogue events and film screenings.

The rise of more sophisticated artificial intelligence agents poses an “existential threat” to the way research funding is awarded, experts have warned, saying autonomous AI systems could further flood grant competitions with applications, making it harder to identify the best ideas.

Cuts to other scholarships and grants could be considered without additional funding. Photo illustration by Justin Morrison/Inside Higher Ed | DenisKot and EyeEm Mobile GmbH/iStock/Getty Images Mississippi is facing a $7.3 million financial aid deficit, which could result in as many as 27,000 students receiving less aid than anticipated in spring 2027, Mississippi Today reported.

Ángel Cabrera, president of the Georgia Institute of Technology, has been selected as president and CEO of the Aspen Institute, effective Nov. 1. James Cousins, president of Kentucky Wesleyan College, has been named president of Wilkes University in Pennsylvania, effective Aug. 1. Russell Crutchfield, chief operating officer in Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s office, was named president of Gordon State College in Georgia, effective Aug. 1.

Scrutiny is mounting after the board fired the president last month. DenisTangneyJr/iStock/Getty Images New Mexico Highlands University is now under criminal investigation “regarding allegations of fraud and forgery,” a state district attorney’s office announced Wednesday in a news release. “When allegations involve potential fraud, forged documents, and the integrity of a public university, the public deserves clear answers backed by evidence,” Fourth Judicial District Attorney Thomas A.