THE CHANGE LEADER

Category: Higher Ed News

Changing Higher Ed Podcast 304-Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Dr. Courtney Brown - Aligning Education & Work: The 2026 Lumina-Gallup Employer Report

Why 69% of Employers Say Grads Aren’t Ready: Inside the 2026 Lumina-Gallup Report:

Changing Higher Ed podcast 304 with host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and guest Dr. Courtney Brown

In this episode of Changing Higher Ed®, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Courtney Brown, Vice President of Impact and Planning and Chief Data and Research Officer at Lumina Foundation, about new data from Lumina and Gallup’s Aligning Education and Work: What Employers Say Higher Education Must Deliver, and what it means for institutional strategy right now.

The findings challenge the narratives dominating higher education discourse on both sides. Employers still value degrees, three-quarters say they will be as or more important in five years. But only about half believe colleges are graduating students with the skills their organizations need, and 69 percent report that recent hires require moderate or significant additional training. That gap between degree value and preparation quality is where this conversation focuses.

Brown and McNaughton also

March 24, 2026 August 6, 2026
Changing Higher Ed podcast 269 Washington Update: July 2025 Reconciliation Bill’s Impact on Higher Ed

Washington Update: Higher Ed Overhauled Under Budget Reconciliation—Loan Limits, Pell Expansion, Earnings Accountability, and Accreditation Upended:

Podcast Show Summary for Changing Higher Ed, Episode 269 with Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Tom Netting

In this Washington Update episode of Changing Higher Ed, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with frequent guest Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies and a leading voice in higher education policy advocacy. They unpack what’s buried inside the recently passed budget reconciliation package—unofficially dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—which introduces some of the most sweeping higher ed changes in over a decade.

From statutory earnings-based accountability and major loan reform to the return of short-term Pell and emerging accreditation upheavals, this episode outlines what institutional leaders need to know, when they need to act, and how it all connects to upcoming deadlines and rulemaking cycles.

What you’ll gain from listening to this podcast:

✓ Earnings Accountability: What the new low-earnings outcomes assessment means for degree programs and institutional reporting.

✓

July 22, 2025 June 27, 2026
Changing Higher Ed podcast 252 with host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and guest Tom Netting - Washington Update: Dismantling the Department of Education and Redefining Oversight for Higher Ed

Washington Update: Dismantling the Department of Education and Redefining Oversight for Higher Ed:

Changing Higher Ed podcast 252 with Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and guest Tom Netting

In this episode of Changing Higher Ed, Dr. Drumm McNaughton welcomes back Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies and a trusted Washington insider with over 30 years of experience in federal education policy. Together, they unpack the sweeping federal restructuring that is reshaping the future of higher education—from dismantling the Department of Education to defunding civil rights enforcement and shifting student loan oversight to the Small Business Administration.

What you’ll gain from listening to this podcast:

✓ Department Overhaul: What the executive order to dismantle the Department of Education means for institutional operations.

✓ Title IX Reversal: How the rollback of Biden-era Title IX protections affects compliance, DEI programs, and student safety policies.

✓ Loan Servicing Shift: What institutions need to know about the SBA taking over federal student

March 25, 2025 June 27, 2026
Changing Higher Ed podcast 237 Washington Update-Implications of the 2024 election on higher ed part 1 | with host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and guest Tom Netting

Washington Update: Implications of the 2024 Elections on Higher Ed — Part 1:

Changing Higher Ed® podcast 237 with host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and guest Tom Netting

Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies and Washington Update expert, about anticipated changes in higher education following the 2024 US elections. Drawing from his policy expertise on The Hill, Netting discusses potential shifts under the incoming administration.

What you’ll gain from listening to this podcast:

✓ Department Changes: Key shifts in Department of Education operations and leadership under Linda McMahon’s nomination.

✓ FAFSA Reform: Plans to address ongoing challenges with FAFSA modernization and financial aid administration.

✓ Title IX Updates: Current state of Title IX regulations and potential revisions to address state-level conflicts.

✓ ROI Focus: New methodologies for measuring higher education return on investment over a 10-year window.

✓ Regulatory Changes: Insight into gainful employment regulations and reporting requirements affecting institutions.

✓ Cybersecurity

December 10, 2024 June 30, 2026
Changing Higher Ed podcast 223 – Washington Update: Neg Reg, Clery Act, and Chevron Decision with Tom Netting

Washington Update: Neg Reg, Clery Act, and Chevron Decision:

Changing Higher Ed podcast 223 with host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and guest Tom Netting

In this episode of Changing Higher Ed, Drumm welcomes back Tom Netting, President of TEN Government Strategies, to discuss recent higher education policy changes and challenges, covering FAFSA, Title IX, FSA, IDR, SAVE, NC-SARA, NACIQI, PPA, TRIO, Clery Act, Gainful Employment, Title IV, the Chevron Decision, and more.

Podcast Overview:

• Breakdown of the 2023-2024 Negotiated Rulemaking impact on distance education and clock hour programs.

• Analysis of Title IX implementation chaos: 26 states under injunction, others facing August 1st deadline.

• Strategies for navigating the state-by-state implementation of Title IX regulations and the ongoing legal battles surrounding these changes.

• FAFSA rollout crisis: 20% enrollment drops reported, implications for 2025-2026 admissions cycle.

• Practical advice on managing the delayed rollout of the new FAFSA form and its implications

September 3, 2024 June 27, 2026
Changing Higher Podcast 219 - The State of EdTech: OPMs, 2U Bankruptcy, and Implications for Higher Ed with host Drumm McNaughton and guest Phil Hill

The State of EdTech: OPMs, 2U Bankruptcy, and Implications for Higher Ed:

Changing Higher Education podcast 219 with host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and guests Phil Hill

In this episode of Changing Higher Ed, Dr. Drumm McNaughton welcomes Phil Hill, publisher of the On EdTech newsletter at Phil Hill Associates and resident EdTech expert, to discuss the current state of educational technology, the recent bankruptcy of 2U, and the implications for higher education institutions.

Podcast Overview:

• Insights into the evolving EdTech landscape, including the shift from government support of innovation to increased scrutiny and regulation of online education providers.

• Analysis of the 2U bankruptcy, its causes, and its potential impact on the Online Program Management (OPM) market and partner institutions.

• Discussion of new regulatory challenges facing online education, including proposed changes to state authorization reciprocity agreements (SARA) and their potential impact on cross-state program offerings.

• Exploration of cybersecurity concerns in higher education, including

August 6, 2024 June 27, 2026
Changing Higher Ed podcast 212 - Improve Student Employability - Discussing The Great Misalignment: Addressing the Mismatch Between the Supply of Certificates and Associates Degrees and the Future Demand for Workers in the U.S. Labor Markets with Kathryn Campbell and Zack Mabel

Improve Student Employability: The Great Misalignment Report:

Changing Higher Ed podcast 212 with host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and guests Kathryn Campbell and Zack Mabel

  Only about 50 percent of colleges use labor market data to guide program development or share information with prospective students. This stunning statistic, based on a recent report by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW), highlights the severe misalignment between the credentials higher education institutions are producing and the skills employers need in the workforce.   In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton welcomes back Zack Mabel, Research Professor and Director of Research, and Kathryn Campbell, Associate Director of Editorial Policy and Senior Editor/Writer, from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) to discuss their report titled “The Great Misalignment: Addressing the Mismatch Between the Supply of Certificates and Associates Degrees and the Future Demand for Workers

June 18, 2024 December 11, 2025
Changing Higher Podcast Podcast 206- Washington Update- NPRM, FAFSA,NC-SARA 1,500+ Pages of Title IX with guest Tom Netting

Washington Update: NPRM, FAFSA, Title IX, NC-SARA:

Changing Higher Ed Podcast 206 with host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and guest Tom Netting

In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, Tom Netting, President of TEN Government Strategies, joins Drumm to provide a comprehensive update on the latest developments in higher education policy. The discussion covers the new Title IX regulations, the resolution of FAFSA simplification issues, and proposed changes to accreditation and institutional accountability.

Netting breaks down the 1,500 pages of Title IX regulation updates, highlighting key changes such as the broadened definition of sexual harassment, the shift to the preponderance of evidence standard, and the removal of live hearing requirements. The conversation also explores the potential impact of these changes on institutions and the importance of proactive compliance strategies.

Tom explains the recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on student loan debt relief and the ongoing negotiated rulemaking process for

May 7, 2024 June 27, 2026
Changing Higher Ed 201 Washington Update- Neg Reg 2024 March Review

Washington Update: Neg Reg 2024 March Review:

Changing Higher Ed Podcast 201 with Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Guest Tom Netting

  Negotiated Rulemaking: Program Integrity and Institutional Quality Committee In this Washington Update, we welcome back our frequent guest and public policy expert, Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies, who joins us to discuss the latest developments in higher education policy coming out of Washington. As U.S. policymakers continue to maintain a frenetic pace in 2024, higher education leaders must stay well-informed about new regulations, negotiated rulemaking (Neg Reg), leadership changes at the Department of Education, and shifting perspectives on issues that impact higher education.    Neg Reg 2024 March Consensus: One Out of Six The first quarter of 2024 has been dominated by three intense sessions of federal negotiated rulemaking (Neg Reg), officially named the Program Integrity and Institutional Quality Committee. This committee tackled a wide range of

April 2, 2024 December 11, 2025
Changing Higher Ed Podcast 190 - Regulatory Changes and Their Implications for Higher Education Mergers with Drumm McNaughton and Mike Goldstein

Regulatory Changes and Their Implications for Higher Education Mergers:

Changing Higher Ed Podcast 190 with Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Guest Mike Goldstein

  In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, recent regulatory changes by the Department of Education, effective July 1st, have significantly redefined the processes for institutional mergers and acquisitions. These changes, emphasizing ownership and control, extend across all types of educational institutions – for-profit, nonprofit, and public. The new regulations introduce more comprehensive steps and extended timelines, adding complexity and burden to the merger process.   Implementation and Impact of July 1st Regulations The primary intent behind these regulations is to enhance accountability within higher education institutions, especially in managing federal student loan and grant programs. The goal is to safeguard students from the weight of unaffordable college debt, shifting the focus from targeting primarily for-profit higher education to a broader scope that includes all educational institutions.   Department’s Focus

January 16, 2024 December 11, 2025
Changing Higher Podcast 187- 2023 Higher Education Year in Review & 2024 Predictions

2023 Higher Education Year in Review and 2024 Predictions:

Changing Higher Ed Podcast 187 with Host Deborah Maue and Guest Dr. Drumm McNaughton

  Join us in our 2023 Higher Education Year in Review and Predictions for 2024. In this sixth annual year-end podcast, Deborah Maue, Aurora University Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing, takes the mic as our special host of the Changing Higher Ed podcast to interview Dr. Drumm McNaughton as they review (and grade) last year’s 2023 higher ed prognostications. The duo share their insights on 2023, discuss the unexpected developments, and what to prepare for with the higher education predictions for 2024.   Reviewing Dr. Drumm McNaughton’s Predictions for 2023 Continuing Decline in College Enrollment: A Closer Look at 2023’s Trends 2022 Prediction for 2023: College enrollment will continue to decline. Grade given by Deb Maue: A. In 2023, college enrollment continued its downward trajectory. Despite a contrasting

December 26, 2023 January 5, 2026
Changing Higher Ed Podcast: AAUP Report on Political Interference in Higher Education

AAUP Report on Political Interference in Higher Education:

Changing Higher Ed Podcast 185 with Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Guest Dr. Henry “Hank” Reichman

Unpacking the AAUP Report: A Critical Look at Political Interference in Florida’s Higher Education The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) recently released its comprehensive report titled “Political Interference and Academic Freedom in Florida’s Public Higher Education System.” This report marks a critical juncture in the AAUP’s history, being one of only eight special reports issued, and underscores a growing concern over political interference in the realm of academic governance.   Hank Reichman, co-author and co-chair of AAUP joins the Changing Higher Ed podcast to discuss the report and provides details about Governor DeSantis’s legislative efforts to control what can be taught, how it’s taught, and who teaches, particularly attacking faculty rights and tenure.   The report includes the specific case of the hostile takeover of New College, describing it

December 12, 2023 December 11, 2025
US Capital Building - Washington Update - Higher Ed News - Negotiated Rulemaking - HEA

Washington Update: Higher Ed Policy, Regulations, and Insights:

Changing Higher Ed Podcast 182 with Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Guest Tom Netting

  Insights on New Policies in Higher Education This episode of Washington Update examines the dire need for HEA reauthorization. Drumm McNaughton and Tom Netting focus on the Higher Education Act of 2019 (HEA), the FAFSA Simplification Act, and various Title regulations.   The discussion highlights the Biden-Harris administration’s active role in Negotiated Rulemaking since late 2020, bringing about a comprehensive set of regulations affecting higher education.   The Higher Education Act (HEA) was signed into law in 1965 and is supposed to be renewed every five years. However, the last reauthorization was in 2008, and it has been running on temporary extensions ever since.   Washington Update Key Discussion Points: Higher Education Act 2019 Changes: Emphasis on the need for a comprehensive review of the act, touching on Title

November 21, 2023 December 11, 2025
Florida vs Department of Education: Background and Implications

Florida vs Department of Education: Implications and Background:

Redefining State Control in Higher Education

On June 21, 2023, the State of Florida filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education, Florida vs Department of Education. The implications of this lawsuit can be far-reaching. This lawsuit has the potential to change how much influence state governments can have on both higher education accreditation and their institutions. The US Department of Justice has yet to file a response.   The Background – Leading Up to the Lawsuit The lawsuit has been coming for a while, especially considering we’re in the presidential election cycle with the Governor of Florida vying for the presidency.   Florida’s current and former governor have had issues with their accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), for what they view as undue meddling in the State’s affairs. Then Florida, at

August 3, 2023 August 2, 2024
Florida v. Department of Education – Accreditation and Quality Control | Changing Higher Ed Podcast 161 with Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Michael Goldstein

Florida v. Department of Education – Accreditation and Quality Control:

Changing Higher Education Podcast 162 with Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Guest Michael Goldstein

  The recently filed and highly publicized Florida v. Department of Education lawsuit could change the face of higher education across the US. At stake is the ability of accreditors to set standards in the accreditation versus how much state governments can be involved in accreditation affairs. Essentially the lawsuit is pushing to allow institutions to change their accreditors without being restricted by the Department of Education and that, as the owner of state schools, the state has control over what these institutions can do. In this podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton once again speaks with higher ed legal expert Michael Goldstein of Tyton Partners, who returns to Changing Higher Ed to discuss the background behind the lawsuit, its reasons, and its implications for higher education institutions and accreditation.   Podcast

July 4, 2023 December 11, 2025
Changing Higher Ed Podcast 160 The State of Higher Education Part 2 with Courtney Brown The State of Higher Education: Breaking down the barriers to student enrollment and retention

The State of Higher Education Part 2:

Changing Higher Education Podcast 160 With Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton And Guest Dr. Courtney Brown

Part 2 of the podcast, The State of Higher Education: Breaking down the barriers to student enrollment and retention – The Lumina report 2023 captures key points and finding, including the reasons for stopping out, considerations for enrollment, the cost of degrees, student loan forgiveness, the importance of belonging for students of color, the need for diversity among faculty and administration, the significance of reproductive rights and health laws, the relationship between political leaning and reproductive rights, and the value of diversity of thought in higher education.

June 21, 2023 July 2, 2024
Washington Update: Title IX, Student Debt, NC-SARA, and Debt Ceiling Negotiations - Changing Higher Ed Podcast Cover with a picture of Drumm McNaughton and Tom Netting

Washington Update: Title IX, Student Debt, NC-SARA, and Debt Ceiling Negotiations:

Changing Higher Education Podcast 158 with Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Guest Tom Netting

A lot has been happening up on The Hill that affects higher education. In this Washington Update podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton catches up on the latest news with Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies, who advocates before Congress, federal agencies, and state governments on behalf of private institutions of higher education and post-secondary education companies.

June 7, 2023 April 7, 2026
Changing Higher Ed Podcast 113 with Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Guest Tom Netting – Washington Update: Proposed Changes to Title IX and Protecting Vulnerable Students

Washington Update: Proposed Changes to Title IX and Protecting Vulnerable Students:

Changing Higher Ed Podcast 113 with Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Guest Tom Netting

In this episode, Tom Netting returns to the show for an intensive discussion about the proposed amendments to Title IX as well as the recently released notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) relating to several key issues left over from this year’s Neg Reg process, including borrower defense to repayment (BDR) and public service loan forgiveness (PLSF).

July 20, 2022 November 5, 2024
Washington Update: Neg Reg 2022 Implications for Higher Education Policy - Changing Higher Ed Podcast 111 with Guest Tom Netting

Washington Update: Neg Reg 2022 Implications for Higher Education Policy:

Changing Higher Ed Podcast 111 with Guest Tom Netting

A review of the outcomes of this year’s Negotiated Rulemaking (Neg Reg) process reveals a mix of wins and losses among 16 total issue papers up for debate. Beneficial gains in key areas were made during this critical part of the Department of Education’s rulemaking process in Washington D.C., which has far-reaching implications for all institutions of higher education, including for-profit and community colleges.

Neg Reg 2022’s agenda this year was divided between two committees: the Affordability and Student Loans Committee, or committee one, and the Institutional and Programmatic Eligibility Committee, or committee two.

June 20, 2022 November 5, 2024

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