Nick Anderson
@higherednick.bsky.social
Fighting for higher education at the American Council on Education. Former Washpost education writer. If you want to talk shop or pass along a cool idea to improve or promote higher ed, hit me up: [email protected] #HigherEdBuildsAmerica
You can get Hot Takes on higher ed anywhere. But for What is Actually Happening in the policy chaos of Washington, you need Fansmith, Spreitzer and Gunja. Today 2 pm: season premiere of dotEDU! P.S.: #HigherEdBuildsAmerica www.acenet.edu/Pages/dotedu...
ACE's dotEDU Podcast
Join our hosts Jon Fansmith, Mushtaq Gunja, and Sarah Spreitzer as they delve into the policy aspects of issues that impact campuses, students, and higher education leaders.
www.acenet.edu
September 9, 2025 at 1:43 PM
You can get Hot Takes on higher ed anywhere. But for What is Actually Happening in the policy chaos of Washington, you need Fansmith, Spreitzer and Gunja. Today 2 pm: season premiere of dotEDU! P.S.: #HigherEdBuildsAmerica www.acenet.edu/Pages/dotedu...
Important story on the detained Tufts graduate student, via Anemona Hartocollis of the NYT www.nytimes.com/2025/03/29/u...
Targeting of Tufts Student for Deportation Stuns Friends and Teachers
The Trump administration said she “engaged in activities in support of Hamas.” Her friends and lawyers say all she did was co-author an essay critical of the war in Gaza.
www.nytimes.com
March 29, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Important story on the detained Tufts graduate student, via Anemona Hartocollis of the NYT www.nytimes.com/2025/03/29/u...
Powerful stuff from Princeton’s president on the Columbia situation.
Chris Eisgruber, in The Atlantic, writes that attacks on Columbia pose “the greatest threat to American universities since the Red Scare of the 1950s. Every American should be concerned.”
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
Chris Eisgruber, in The Atlantic, writes that attacks on Columbia pose “the greatest threat to American universities since the Red Scare of the 1950s. Every American should be concerned.”
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
The Cost of the Government’s Attack on Columbia
American universities have given the country prosperity and security. The Trump administration’s attack on academic freedom endangers all of that.
www.theatlantic.com
March 19, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Powerful stuff from Princeton’s president on the Columbia situation.
Chris Eisgruber, in The Atlantic, writes that attacks on Columbia pose “the greatest threat to American universities since the Red Scare of the 1950s. Every American should be concerned.”
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
Chris Eisgruber, in The Atlantic, writes that attacks on Columbia pose “the greatest threat to American universities since the Red Scare of the 1950s. Every American should be concerned.”
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
"Colleges and universities have long worked with the government in countless ways to strengthen our economy, democracy, health and security. We cannot abandon that partnership. We must fortify it." --Ted Mitchell, president of @aceducation.bsky.social
hechingerreport.org/opinion-here...
hechingerreport.org/opinion-here...
OPINION: Here’s why we cannot permit America’s partnership with higher education to weaken or dissolve - The Hechinger Report
Abrupt cuts in federal funding for life saving medical research. Confusing and misleading new guidance about campus diversity programs. Cancellation, without due process, of hundreds of millions of do...
hechingerreport.org
March 18, 2025 at 8:57 PM
"Colleges and universities have long worked with the government in countless ways to strengthen our economy, democracy, health and security. We cannot abandon that partnership. We must fortify it." --Ted Mitchell, president of @aceducation.bsky.social
hechingerreport.org/opinion-here...
hechingerreport.org/opinion-here...
Today I ran 13.1 in the nation’s capital for higher education. For the faculty. For the staff. Above all, for the students. If you are a friend of higher ed, now is the time to stand up. Join us. Fight for it. We at @aceducation.bsky.social are with you! #HigherEdBuildsAmerica
March 15, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Today I ran 13.1 in the nation’s capital for higher education. For the faculty. For the staff. Above all, for the students. If you are a friend of higher ed, now is the time to stand up. Join us. Fight for it. We at @aceducation.bsky.social are with you! #HigherEdBuildsAmerica
If you believe, like me, that kids not born on third base deserve a chance to go to bat and play ball in the great game of life…If you believe in the value of federal programs to support disadvantaged students…If you believe in genuine efforts to improve schools…now is the time to stand up.
March 12, 2025 at 1:24 PM
If you believe, like me, that kids not born on third base deserve a chance to go to bat and play ball in the great game of life…If you believe in the value of federal programs to support disadvantaged students…If you believe in genuine efforts to improve schools…now is the time to stand up.
More from Mitchell: “This move … causes nothing but chaos and confusion.”
ACE President Ted Mitchell: "We call on the administration and Congress to move quickly to reverse this short-sighted effort and ensure that America’s students get the support they need, and that the law requires."
Full statement: www.acenet.edu/News-Room/Pa...
Full statement: www.acenet.edu/News-Room/Pa...
Statement by ACE President Ted Mitchell on Sweeping Layoffs at the Department of Education
We are deeply alarmed at the irresponsible and harmful action by the Trump administration to cut employees at the Department of Education by as much as half.
www.acenet.edu
March 12, 2025 at 12:49 AM
More from Mitchell: “This move … causes nothing but chaos and confusion.”
"We stand against antisemitism. Period. But the Trump administration’s decision last week to arbitrarily cancel some $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University is not the right way to fight hatred." -- Ted Mitchell, president of ACE
www.acenet.edu/News-Room/Pa...
www.acenet.edu/News-Room/Pa...
Statement by ACE President Ted Mitchell Opposing the Trump Administration’s Cancellation of Grants and Contracts to Columbia University
We stand against antisemitism. Period. But the Trump administration’s decision last week to arbitrarily cancel some $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University is not the right...
www.acenet.edu
March 10, 2025 at 6:51 PM
"We stand against antisemitism. Period. But the Trump administration’s decision last week to arbitrarily cancel some $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University is not the right way to fight hatred." -- Ted Mitchell, president of ACE
www.acenet.edu/News-Room/Pa...
www.acenet.edu/News-Room/Pa...
Due process: It matters. It is indispensable.
My colleague Jon Fansmith at @aceducation.bsky.social has a few observations about that sudden $400m cut the government imposed on Columbia U.
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
And www.chronicle.com/article/trum...
My colleague Jon Fansmith at @aceducation.bsky.social has a few observations about that sudden $400m cut the government imposed on Columbia U.
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
And www.chronicle.com/article/trum...
Trump admin cancels $400M in grants at Columbia U
Higher ed and free speech advocates are deeply alarmed by the decision to cancel $400 million in contracts and grants at the university, saying it is yet another example of executive overreach.
www.insidehighered.com
March 9, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Due process: It matters. It is indispensable.
My colleague Jon Fansmith at @aceducation.bsky.social has a few observations about that sudden $400m cut the government imposed on Columbia U.
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
And www.chronicle.com/article/trum...
My colleague Jon Fansmith at @aceducation.bsky.social has a few observations about that sudden $400m cut the government imposed on Columbia U.
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
And www.chronicle.com/article/trum...
Learn something every day. UVM is widely known to refer to University of Vermont. But do you know what the initials stand for?
Until just now, I didn't know.
I also didn't know it was founded in the 18th century (1791)
Until just now, I didn't know.
I also didn't know it was founded in the 18th century (1791)
March 7, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Learn something every day. UVM is widely known to refer to University of Vermont. But do you know what the initials stand for?
Until just now, I didn't know.
I also didn't know it was founded in the 18th century (1791)
Until just now, I didn't know.
I also didn't know it was founded in the 18th century (1791)
My view: Let's have college **opportunity** for all, at all points in life, from teenage years onward. That means all high school students filling out a FAFSA, so they know what financial aid is available. That means efficient transfer-credit policies. And more.
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/06/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/06/u...
Some Schools Rethink “College For All”
The idea that every student should aim for a four-year college motivated a bipartisan movement for decades. Now even enthusiastic promoters of the idea are reconsidering it.
www.nytimes.com
March 6, 2025 at 1:41 PM
My view: Let's have college **opportunity** for all, at all points in life, from teenage years onward. That means all high school students filling out a FAFSA, so they know what financial aid is available. That means efficient transfer-credit policies. And more.
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/06/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/06/u...
Welcome news today from federal court in Boston: a nationwide preliminary injunction protecting biomedical research funding for colleges and universities across America. ACE (@aceducation.bsky.social) joined AAU and APLU as plaintiffs in one of the cases.
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/05/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/05/u...
Federal Judge Extends Block on N.I.H. Cuts to Research Funding
The order is a temporary reprieve for hospitals and universities who have argued that the changes sought by the National Institutes of Health would devastate their budgets.
www.nytimes.com
March 5, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Welcome news today from federal court in Boston: a nationwide preliminary injunction protecting biomedical research funding for colleges and universities across America. ACE (@aceducation.bsky.social) joined AAU and APLU as plaintiffs in one of the cases.
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/05/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/05/u...
What goes into that snazzy smartphone?
"There's not one aspect of this iPhone 16 which has not been deeply empowered and enabled by, at one point or another, some academic research activity."
Watch Michael Crow of ASU make a vital point. #HigherEdBuildsAmerica
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqfk...
"There's not one aspect of this iPhone 16 which has not been deeply empowered and enabled by, at one point or another, some academic research activity."
Watch Michael Crow of ASU make a vital point. #HigherEdBuildsAmerica
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqfk...
University research is the "invisible hand" in advancing innovation
YouTube video by Dr. Michael M. Crow
www.youtube.com
March 5, 2025 at 6:38 PM
What goes into that snazzy smartphone?
"There's not one aspect of this iPhone 16 which has not been deeply empowered and enabled by, at one point or another, some academic research activity."
Watch Michael Crow of ASU make a vital point. #HigherEdBuildsAmerica
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqfk...
"There's not one aspect of this iPhone 16 which has not been deeply empowered and enabled by, at one point or another, some academic research activity."
Watch Michael Crow of ASU make a vital point. #HigherEdBuildsAmerica
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqfk...
If #HigherEdBuildsAmerica -- and yes, it does! -- then what in the world does this bill do? ... Asking for a few million friends. www.acenet.edu/News-Room/Pa...
Congress Moves to Slash Higher Ed Funding in Budget Showdown
Congress is advancing a budget bill that could impose deep cuts to programs that support students and colleges—while also introducing tax changes that could make it harder for students to afford colle...
www.acenet.edu
March 4, 2025 at 8:45 PM
If #HigherEdBuildsAmerica -- and yes, it does! -- then what in the world does this bill do? ... Asking for a few million friends. www.acenet.edu/News-Room/Pa...
Fansmith, Spreitzer, and Gunja—None better at explaining what’s happening in Washington. And there’s so much to sift through! Join the American Council on Education on Tuesday for a live q-and-a on dotEDU zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: dotEDU Live: More Policy Shifts, More Uncertainty for Colleges. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
Join dotEDU Live hosts Jon Fansmith, Sarah Spreitzer, and Mushtaq Gunja as they break down the latest policy shifts from Washington, DC, their impact on campuses, and what to watch for next. This week...
zoom.us
March 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Fansmith, Spreitzer, and Gunja—None better at explaining what’s happening in Washington. And there’s so much to sift through! Join the American Council on Education on Tuesday for a live q-and-a on dotEDU zoom.us/webinar/regi...
On Saturday mornings lately, feels like there’s always more to discover about what happened on Friday
March 1, 2025 at 2:36 PM
On Saturday mornings lately, feels like there’s always more to discover about what happened on Friday
Tense times, no doubt, for higher education. But pride, not fear, is what animates colleges and universities. Chaos will not prevail. Check out your nearest campus. You’ll see. #HigherEdBuildsAmerica
February 27, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Tense times, no doubt, for higher education. But pride, not fear, is what animates colleges and universities. Chaos will not prevail. Check out your nearest campus. You’ll see. #HigherEdBuildsAmerica
$15 billion a year...Higher education builds the Washington region, and #HigherEdBuildsAmerica. Via Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff of the Washpost. www.washingtonpost.com/education/20...
How much money do D.C.-area colleges generate? $15B, report says.
With some nearly 300,000 students in the greater Washington area, local universities employ about 100,000 people, according to a new report.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 25, 2025 at 8:28 PM
$15 billion a year...Higher education builds the Washington region, and #HigherEdBuildsAmerica. Via Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff of the Washpost. www.washingtonpost.com/education/20...
Reposted by Nick Anderson
ACE, in collaboration with HERI at @uclaseis.bsky.social, released a report that highlights the growing diversity of first-year college students and explores the experiences, backgrounds, and other key features of the entering class of 2024. @cresstucla.bsky.social
www.acenet.edu/News-Room/Pa...
www.acenet.edu/News-Room/Pa...
ACE and UCLA Ed&IS Release HERI Report Highlighting Key Trends Among First-Year College Students
ACE, in collaboration with the HERI at UCLA, released a report that highlights the growing diversity of first-year college students and explores the experiences, backgrounds, and other key features o...
www.acenet.edu
February 25, 2025 at 5:49 PM
ACE, in collaboration with HERI at @uclaseis.bsky.social, released a report that highlights the growing diversity of first-year college students and explores the experiences, backgrounds, and other key features of the entering class of 2024. @cresstucla.bsky.social
www.acenet.edu/News-Room/Pa...
www.acenet.edu/News-Room/Pa...
I worked with Jim Gerstenzang. He is a pro’s pro. Read this. Nobody knows this issue better than Jim.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/22/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/22/o...
Opinion | Trump’s Ban on The A.P. Echoes Orwell’s ‘1984’
As a former White House reporter, I’m familiar with the conventional disputes between journalists and the president. This isn’t one of those.
www.nytimes.com
February 23, 2025 at 1:03 AM
I worked with Jim Gerstenzang. He is a pro’s pro. Read this. Nobody knows this issue better than Jim.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/22/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/22/o...
Distressing
Federally run tribal colleges reel from staff cuts
Native American education advocacy groups are calling on the Trump administration to spare Haskell Indian Nations University and Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute from employee cuts, after the...
www.insidehighered.com
February 21, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Distressing
Absolutely crucial breaking news, victory for preserving research. #HigherEdBuildsAmerica
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/u...
Judge Extends Block on N.I.H. Medical Research Cuts
A federal judge in Massachusetts indicated she would move quickly to consider a more lasting injunction after hearing a laundry list of potential adverse effects of the Trump administration move to cu...
www.nytimes.com
February 21, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Absolutely crucial breaking news, victory for preserving research. #HigherEdBuildsAmerica
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/u...
Enjoyed talking with USNews reporter Sarah Wood on the burning question: Is College Worth the Cost? www.usnews.com/education/be...
www.usnews.com
February 20, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Enjoyed talking with USNews reporter Sarah Wood on the burning question: Is College Worth the Cost? www.usnews.com/education/be...
Not fear. Pride.
"Diversity is central to our work. It’s central to our work of building America."
ACE President Ted Mitchell joins the dotEDU hosts to discuss ED's letter on race-conscious policies as well as NIH funding cuts and Linda McMahon’s confirmation hearing.
www.acenet.edu/Pages/dotedu...
ACE President Ted Mitchell joins the dotEDU hosts to discuss ED's letter on race-conscious policies as well as NIH funding cuts and Linda McMahon’s confirmation hearing.
www.acenet.edu/Pages/dotedu...
February 19, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Not fear. Pride.