Higher education is under heightened scrutiny from policymakers, taxpayers, and students who increasingly demand evidence to demonstrate the value of a college degree and who are questioning whether pursuing a college degree is still “worth it” (Fry et al., 2024). While earning a degree remains a reliable pathway to stable, well-paying employment (Abel & Deitz, 2019), many point to shortcomings in preparing students for their future careers. Students crave meaningful career development throughout their college experience, and employers desire better alignment of college education with workforce skills (Stolzenberg et al., 2020; University Innovation Alliance, 2021). Higher education leaders are looking for research-informed guidance related to career preparation and transition programming.
Character (Still) Counts: Moral Injury and the Case for Character Education
Many academic leaders remember the Character Counts! initiative from the 1990s and early 2000s. It was visible in schools and youth programs nationwide, emphasizing as core values the Six Pillars
Teresa Maggard Stephens
June 15, 2026
