US higher education institutions are currently facing a crisis of trust and unprecedented external attacks on shared governance. These attacks include large and volatile funding cuts from federal and state governments and in some cases infringements on academic freedoms in research and teaching. Academic leaders are right to defend their institutions against such attacks, but they should also disarm the attacks by diligently exercising their responsibilities, under shared governance, to uphold federal laws, their academic missions and standards, and fiduciary duties.
Reciprocity over Hierarchy: Designing and Implementing a Student-Led Reverse Mentoring Program
Many academic leaders, including administrators and faculty members, participate in traditional mentoring programs that prioritize hierarchy. But these programs typically don’t foster engagement and connection between students and faculty or
Marquita Lyons-Smith and Keva Suitte
October 19, 2026
