Sunday Opening Plenary - Len Gutkin
Higher Education at a Crossroads: Politics, Policy, and the Future
The landscape of higher education is being reshaped by shifting political dynamics, legislative debates, and cultural tensions that impact institutions at every level. For the SEM 2025 Opening Plenary, we welcome Len Gutkin, Senior Editor at The Chronicle of Higher Education, to provide a candid and thought-provoking examination of the current state of the academy. Drawing on his sharp analysis and deep engagement with higher education’s cultural and political crossroads, Gutkin will explore the forces influencing colleges and universities today—from challenges to academic freedom and institutional autonomy, to the policy debates shaping entry, affordability, and equity.
This session will ground our conference in the broader context in which enrollment professionals and academic leaders are making decisions. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the pressures and possibilities facing higher education—and how these realities intersect with the work of shaping strategic enrollment management for the future.
Tuesday Plenary Panel - Amber Burdge, Erick Harper, TJ Shelton
The Evolving Landscape of Intercollegiate Athletics and Their Role In Enrollment Management
The last few years have seen significant changes in the relationship between universities and the student athletes they serve. We have seen a shift from a highly regulated and restricted system to an evolution on Name, Image, and Likeness payments, and revenue sharing. At the same time, changes like the transfer portal and constant conference realignment has kept the landscape ever changing. We will learn about the current landscape and its impact on our efforts not only in attracting student athletes but also retaining them as part of our overall enrollment strategy.
Session Moderator: Jack Miner
Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at University of Cincinnati