Project on Public Research Universities' Futures
CHAE symposium series hosted two events in Spring 2025. See below for recordings and information about future events.
The organizational structure, governance arrangements, mission, and funding system for research universities in the U.S. were established in the mid-20th century. Although the strengths of these norms and structures helped make U.S. research universities the envy of the world, this system of governance also has weaknesses that have fueled fundamental problems in recent decades. Some of these problems include political conflict and attacks on academic freedom; constraints in state funding; demographic change; equity and inclusion concerns; changes to the academic workforce; global competition; technological change and AI; and the need to address climate change and other problems facing humanity. Now is the time to engage in thoughtful, deliberative, and generative dialogue to develop new ideas for how U.S. public research universities can transform to meet more fully the demands of the 21st century and beyond.
The ongoing CHAE Public Research Universities' Futures Project (PRUF) embraces an "all hands-on deck" approach, engaging creative thinkers and leaders from around the sector to participate in thoughtful, future-oriented conversation. Initially, the Project will include three components.
- Online public symposia with national experts in postsecondary governance and the challenges currently facing U.S. public research universities.
- The publishing of topical white papers, building from symposia conversations.
- Invitation-only conversations between leaders in the field to be held on Michigan State University's campus.
Through these three components, the Project on Public Research Universities' Futures will address four themes: (1) teaching and learning amidst economic and technological change , (2) the academic profession in transition, (3) balancing competing needs via governance, policy, and finance, and (4) organizations and leadership in volatile environments.
Symposia Details
The Project on Public Research Universities’ Futures began holding symposia in Spring 2025 and will continue to do so in the 2025-2026 academic year. Details on the Spring 2025 sessions appear below:
Upcoming Online Symposia
Our third online symposium is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, 2025 – 1:00–2:30 PM (ET). In a discussion facilitated by Dr. Ann Austin and Dr. Brendan Cantwell, panelists will explore the theme “Financing the Mission.”
In higher education, finance is about more than generating revenue—it is about securing and managing resources to fulfill institutional missions. Public research universities (PRUs) face growing complexity as they balance teaching, research, and public service while navigating political and market pressures. This conversation will examine how PRUs can align their financial strategies with their academic and public purposes in an era of uncertainty.
Speakers will include:
Dan Bauman: Independent Journalist
J. Michael Gower: Chief Financial Officer and University Treasurer, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
Robert Kelchen: Professor and Head, Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Lisa Frace: Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Michigan State University
To register for our upcoming symposium, click here or visit https://msu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gigsZdYGTjefebsGAv9Haw
Past Online Symposia
Symposium One: Situating Public Research Universities in Today's Landscape
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 - 1:00-2:30 PM (ET)
Speakers included:
- 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)
The White Paper from Symposium One is available to download here.
Symposium Two: Challenges, Changes, and Opportunities within the Academic Profession
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - 12:00 (noon)-1:30 PM (ET)
Speakers included:
- Noah Finkelstein (Professor of Physics & Co-Director of the Network of STEM Education Centers; University of Colorado),
- Leslie D. Gonzales (Professor of Higher Education & Director of the Center for the Study of Higher Education; University of Arizona),
- Kimberly A. Griffin (Dean of College of Education & Professor of Higher Education; University of Maryland)
- Emily Miller (Deputy Vice President for Institutional Policy; Association of American Universities)
The white paper for Symposium two is available to download here.
Questions about CHAE and the PRUF Project can be directed to CED.CHAE@msu.edu
