by Kelly A. Cherwin
Supapich Methaset/Shutterstock
The Council of Independent Colleges hosted its 2026 Presidents Institute on January 4-7 in Orlando, Florida. The event invited presidents to reflect on today’s most pressing issues, explore creative ways to continue fulfilling their missions, and recommit to serving the common good.
We asked several presidents in attendance to reflect on the Institute’s themes by answering three guiding questions: the deeper purpose of academic work, the greatest obstacles to fulfilling that purpose, and what gives them hope as they look ahead to 2026. Taken together, their responses portray a sector grappling with today’s challenges, yet still deeply invested in shaping tomorrow’s leaders and candid about the changes required to fulfill that promise.
What do you think is the deeper purpose of the work we do in academia?
Burton Webb, President, University of Pikeville: Life-long education is of critical importance to us as human beings and members of a civil society. There are many ways to educate ourselves, but few have the personal accountability that secondary and higher education afford. It is easy to learn a new thing. It is more difficult to demonstrate that you have learned it. In addition, the universe is filled with mechanisms, matter, and energy about which we know very little. In education, we pursue that knowledge regardless of its apparent utility. The world is full of human creations that would not be in existence if it were not for curiosity and learning.
Sandeep Mazumder, President, Berry College: At my school, our mission statement states that we seek to educate our students holistically such that they will be leaders of tomorrow who can help cultivate thriving communities. I think this is still the purpose of academia today, to help students grow and develop along many dimensions such that they can contribute to society in a meaningful way.
Sinda Vanderpool, President, University of St. Thomas: Helping the students we serve to find their purpose in life and to see themselves and each person as having inherent dignity and worth. That often looks like solving wicked problems, making the world a little more just, allowing a higher quality of life, that kind of thing.
Matt vandenBerg, President, Ohio Wesleyan University: The deeper purpose is to help people discover who they are, what they are capable of, and how to use that capability in service of something larger than themselves. At its best, higher education builds judgment, courage, and agency, not just credentials.
Right now, what’s your biggest obstacle to accomplishing that deeper purpose?
Webb: Sadly, it is the federal government. While I realize that administrations come and go, this particular administration has changed, and continues to change the rules around nearly everything. This makes it very difficult to plan for the future. At present, some stability would be greatly appreciated.
Mazumder: As an institution of higher education, we need to continue to tell our story, to share the ways we impact society, and to reiterate the value of a college degree. A recent Brookings study found that college students earn 2-3 times the amount that high school graduates do, earn a million dollars more over their lifetimes, recoup their investment by age 26 or 27, and that inflation-adjusted tuition and net college costs have been relatively flat for a long period of time.
Vanderpool: When I am honest, there are only pedestrian concerns-finances, not being able to accomplish outcomes as quickly as I would like because of not having the right team in place. It takes time to hire the right people!
vandenBerg: For many institutions in higher ed, the hardest part is the discipline to say no to activity that looks productive but doesn’t advance our mission — and no to legacy habits that consume resources without delivering real value for students. At the same time, we must say yes to bold, innovative ways to cut through the noise, meet students where they are, and deliver a distinctive value proposition. Progress like that requires focus, not just effort.
What are you most hopeful in 2026 for your institution?
Webb: We have several construction projects underway. Seeing significant progress on the Dental School, athletic complex, and our research facility would be excellent.
Mazumder: Our students are phenomenal-full of promise and potential, and at Berry College, they work really hard. These students are what give me hope for 2026 and beyond.
Vanderpool: That there is a tangible sense of positive momentum and a genuine openness to change.
vandenBerg: I’m most hopeful and optimistic that OWU will continue to show that clarity plus action can cut through skepticism, demonstrating that a residential liberal arts university can be bold, financially disciplined, and meaningfully relevant at the same time.
Even in a challenging season for higher education, these presidents remain grounded and hopeful. Consider asking these same questions on your campus to navigate the year with intention.
