Project on Public Research Universities' Futures
The CHAE PRUF Symposium will host its fourth event on April 15: The Role of Public Research Universities in Supporting Student Success. Please scroll below for event details, registration, and recordings from the first three symposia.
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 CHAE Symposium Series on Public Research Universities’ Futures will offer its fourth event on April 15: The Role of Public Research Universities in Supporting Student Success. Please scroll below for information and the registration link. You will also find the recordings and information from the first three symposia in the series.
Upcoming Online Symposia
Symposium Four: The Role of Public Research Universities in Supporting Student Success
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - 1:00-2:30 PM (ET)
Student success has shaped higher education reform since the early 2000s. Although access expanded and graduation rates have improved, persistent inequities and uneven outcomes continue to challenge institutions, particularly public research universities.
This webinar takes stock of the student success movement and reflects on its origins, accomplishments, ongoing challenges, and the questions facing public research universities today.
Speakers include:
- Archie Cubarrubia (Vice President, Grants; ECMC Foundation)
- Anne-Marie Núñez (Executive Director, Diana Natalicio Institute for Hispanic Student Success, Distinguished Centennial Professor of Educational Leadership and Foundations; University of Texas at El Paso)
- Kristen Renn (University Distinguished Professor of Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education; Michigan State University)
Register via this link: https://msu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hiwRgW-TTFm7NI91zDpqwQ
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.
Symposium Three: Financing the Mission
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 – 1:00–2:30 PM (ET)
Speakers included:
- 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
Questions about CHAE and the PRUF Project can be directed to CED.CHAE@msu.edu
