CHAE Leads New Series on Future of Public Research Universities

The CHAE Project on Research University Futures (Project PRUF) embraces an "all hands-on deck" approach, engaging creative thinkers and leaders form around the sector to participate in thoughtful, future-oriented conversation. This page is regularly updated and contains information about upcoming and past events related to Project PRUF. 

Upcoming Online Symposium

Our second online symposium is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - 12:00 (noon)-1:30 PM (ET). In a discussion facilitated by Dr. Ann Austin, guests will respond to the theme "Challenges, Changes, and Opportunities for the Academic Profession. 

Speakers will include:

Noah Finkelstein: Professor of Physics & Co-Director of the Network of STEM Education Centers; University of Colorado

Noah Finkelstein is a Professor of Physics, one of the PIs of the Physics Education Research (PER) group, faculty director of CU's Center for STEM Learning, and a co-director of the national Network of STEM Education Centers. He conducts research in physics education, specifically studying the conditions that support students’ identities, engagement and positive outcomes in physics – developing models of context. In parallel, he conducts research on how educational transformations get taken up, spread, and sustained. He led CU’s efforts as a demonstration site of the Association of American Universities' (AAU) STEM Education Initiative. He is involved in education policy serving on many national boards, sits on a National Academies’ Board of Science Education, is a Trustee of the Higher Learning Commission, is a Fellow of both the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a Presidential Teaching Scholar and the inaugural Timmerhaus Teaching Ambassador for the University of Colorado system. 

Leslie D. Gonzales: Professor of Higher Education & Director of the Center for the Study of Higher Education; University of Arizona

Dr. Gonzales is a Professor of Higher Education and Department Head of Educational Policy Studies and Practice at the University of Arizona. She also directs the Center for the Study of Higher Education. Dr. Gonzales received all three of her degrees from Hispanic Serving Institutions: an EdD in Educational Leadership and MA in Political Science from the University of Texas at El Paso and a BA in Political Science from New Mexico Highlands University. Her research agenda entails three lines of inquiry: (1) faculty evaluation practices and processes, (2) the organizational and structural contexts in which academics work and learn, and (3) the experiences, contributions, and outcomes of historically minoritized and marginalized academics. Dr. Gonzales has been published over 50 journal articles and book chapters.

Kimberly A. Griffin: Dean of College of Education & Professor of Higher Education; University of Maryland

Dr. Griffin is Dean of the College of Education and a Professor in the Higher Education, Student Affairs, and International Education Policy Program at the University of Maryland, College Park. She earned her doctoral degree in Higher Education and Organizational Change from UCLA, her Master's degree in Education Policy and Leadership at the University of Maryland, and her Bachelor's degree from Stanford University in Psychology. Prior to completing her doctoral work, Dr. Griffin worked in higher education administration, primarily focusing in the areas of diversity recruitment, admissions, and retention in undergraduate and graduate education. Her research interests are primarily focused in three areas: diversity and equity in graduate education and the professoriate, diversity within the Black higher education community, and mentoring and career development. Dr. Griffin has published over 100 scholarly works, including the recently released third edition of the text On Being a Mentor: A Guide for Higher Education Faculty. 

Emily Miller: Deputy Vice President for Institutional Policy; Association of American Universities

Emily R. Miller, PhD is Deputy Vice President for Institutional Policy at the Association of American Universities (AAU). She brings over 20 years of experience in higher education administration, research, and policy to AAU. In partnership with the association’s member research universities, Dr. Miller has primary responsibilities for advancing transformational organizational change initiatives in undergraduate and graduate education as well as the research enterprise. She staffs AAU’s STEM Network and Association of Graduate Schools constituent group and serves as liaison to the AAU Arts & Science Deans and AAU Data Exchange (AAUDE) groups. Dr. Miller earned her PhD in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University; MA in Education Policy and Management from Harvard Graduate School of Education; and BA in Political Science from Gettysburg College.

To register for our upcoming symposium, click here or visit https://msu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oQbJJk2ZS6qrVThagyfaPQ 

Past Online Symposia

Project PRUF's first online conversation was held on Wednesday, March 12th. Invited panelists gave brief presentations responding to the prompt What challenges and opportunities must public research universities embrace given today's political and social landscape? 

A full recording of the event can be found online through following this link or copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: https://mediaspace.msu.edu/media/t/1_60hze9ki

Invited speakers included the following distinguished guests: 

Dominique Baker (Associate Professor of Education & Public Policy; University of Delaware)

Jenny J. Lee (Vice President for Arizona International, Dean of International Education, & Professor of Higher Education; University of Arizona)

Christopher P. Long (Provost & Senior Vice President, Professor of Philosophy; University of Oregon)

Jennifer L. Mnookin (Chancellor, Chair of Leadership, & Professor of Law; University of Wisconsin - Madison)

Teresa K. Woodruff(President Emerita & Research Foundation Professor; Michigan State University).

Questions about the CHAE Project PRUF can be directed to CED.CHAE@msu.edu