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David Jesse

@reporterdavidj.bsky.social
1.1K followers 235 following 132 posts

Senior writer covering leadership at Chronicle of Higher Education. Ex-Detroit Free Press. Spencer Education Reporting Fellow. Once named best education reporter in country by Education Writers Association www.chronicle.com/author/david-jesse

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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Life comes at you fast and no one knows that more than Western Michigan University's president. I chatted with him about leadership lessons after his team "lost" a game with University of Michigan last Saturday. www.chronicle.com/article/west...
chronicle.com
Western Michigan U.’s President on How a Devastating Loss in Football Became ‘a Remarkable Opportunity’
As the regional college was thrust into the national spotlight this week, Russ Kavalhuna says turning the page has offered a valuable lesson: “If something terrible happens, you’ve got a choice.”
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
After three years focusing on leadership and governance for The Chronicle of Higher Education, I'm slightly shifting my focus to spend more time reporting on and writing about college/university finances.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Outgoing Michigan State University President rips board: "“The ongoing and continuous nature of the aforementioned actions has created an unsustainable situation." chronicle.com/liveblog/her...
chronicle.com
Departing Michigan State Leader Says Board Dysfunction Created ‘Unsustainable Situation’
Kevin Guskiewicz is leaving East Lansing for Clemson University’s presidency. In a goodbye message, Guskiewicz referenced dysfunction on the Michigan State governing board.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
The contest is a combustible stew that illustrates just how large the 2024 protests still loom over higher education — and may reveal the lean of the Democratic Party in an all-important swing state. www.chronicle.com/article/in-t...
chronicle.com
In This Trustee Election, the Gaza Protests Take Center Stage — Again
One of America’s most outspoken regents is defending his seat against a lawyer who defended pro-Palestinian protesters. And the contest is getting heated.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
BREAKING NEWS: Incoming University of Michigan president Kent Syverud has a form of brain cancer and will not take up the presidency, he and the university announced Wednesday morning. www.chronicle.com/article/u-of...
chronicle.com
U. of Michigan’s Incoming President Has Brain Cancer and Won’t Take Office
Kent Syverud, who was moving from Syracuse to Ann Arbor, said he had been diagnosed with “a form of brain cancer.” The Board of Regents will start a new search.
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Reposted by David Jesse
ASHE CAHEP @ashecahep.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Wyoming Has One University. Can It Survive Its Own Legislature? by @reporterdavidj.bsky.social via @chronicle.com www.chronicle.com/article/wyom...
chronicle.com
Wyoming Has One University. Can It Survive Its Own Legislature?
The state’s flagship dodged a $40-million cut but not the bigger questions it raised.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Wyoming's Freedom Caucus tried to cut $40 million from the state's lone four-year university. Establishment Republicans fought back and defeated the cut. What does it mean for higher ed in red states? www.chronicle.com/article/wyom...
chronicle.com
Wyoming Has One University. Can It Survive Its Own Legislature?
The state’s flagship dodged a $40-million cut, but not the bigger questions it raised.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Spent some time talking sports with the University of Louisville president and board chair the other day. They just released an interesting call for college sports reform (the letter is linked in the story). t.co/djpLo3HFbF
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https://www.chronicle.com/article/we-are-in-a-crisis-why-louisvilles-leaders-are-proposing-a-cap-on-sports-spending?sra=true
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
I am betting you can guess why cuts are on the way www.chronicle.com/article/this...
chronicle.com
This State Has Plenty of Money. It’s Weighing Cuts to Its Only Public University Anyway.
The University of Wyoming is facing a $40-million proposed cut from legislators who argue the campus “has forgotten its founding purpose.”
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kate hidalgo bellows @shenandoahkate.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
For @chronicle.com, I wrote about a secret provost club. Well, formerly. www.chronicle.com/article/high...
chronicle.com
Higher Ed’s Secret Provost Club
In 10U, chief academic officers at private research universities gather, share ideas, and commiserate.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
I'm excited to be named as an @edwriters.bsky.social reporting fellow. I've long been interested in rural education and will be spending time in Wyoming digging into how higher ed there is working, what changes might be on the horizon and how they impact students. #EWAFellows ewa.org/members-news...
ewa.org
EWA Reporting Fellowship: Meet the Class 21 Fellows
The EWA Reporting Fellowship recipients in class 21 will receive financial awards for innovative education journalism. Learn more.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
The life expectancy of a presidency at any institution is rapidly falling, with little time for ruminations about a vision. Instead, because time is fleeting, the transition period between presidencies is even more important, experts said. www.chronicle.com/article/insi...
chronicle.com
Inside the All-Important Presidential Transition
As tenures get shorter, leaders who straddle two campuses must use their time wisely.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
For those of you who visit different campuses or talk with friends at different campuses than yours: I'm looking for campuses that are struggling with deferred maintenance issues because of tight budget. Send me a DM or an email (david.jesse@chronicle.com) with suggestions for where I should look.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
What will the killing of Charlie Kirk mean for higher education and the country? Check out the College Matters podcast to hear analysis from The Chronicle’s Jack Stripling and Nell Gluckman. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com
The Meaning of Charlie Kirk
Podcast Episode · College Matters from The Chronicle · 09/11/2025 · 27m
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
www.chronicle.com/article/the-...
chronicle.com
The Secretary of Education Outlined a Vision for Higher Ed in a Speech. Here’s Some Context.
In an address to Hillsdale College, Linda McMahon articulated the Trump administration’s vision for higher education. We annotated the speech.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
In Detroit this week for the annual Education Writers Association's gathering of higher education reporters. Are you in town to attend or speak? Want to catch up over a cup of coffee? Grab me and we'll make it happen.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Did Northwestern University's president think about hiring an anti-Israeli rabbi in order to get students to take down a campus encampment? www.chronicle.com/article/the-...
chronicle.com
The Gaza Protests Are Still Haunting College Leaders. A Candid Interview With One President Shows How.
In a lengthy exchange released the same day Michael H. Schill resigned as Northwestern University’s president, a deal he struck with protesters loomed large.
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Chronicle of Higher Education @chronicle.com · 03/09/2025
The Trump administration violated Harvard University's rights when it canceled hundreds of grants over antisemitism, a judge ruled Wednesday.
chroni.cl
‘A Robust Victory’: Federal Judge Says Harvard Should Have Billions of Research Dollars Restored
The judge, Allison D. Burroughs, ruled that the Trump administration’s explanation for canceling the grants — that Harvard had done too little to respond to antisemitism — rang hollow.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
Have you been through, or are currently going through, a leadership training aimed at turning you into a senior academic leader - even a president? I'd like to talk to you for a story I'm doing. Feel free to DM me, or email me david.jesse@chronicle.com
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
“Most people want a college degree and have options to choose from, just as they do vehicles. We built a system of education organized around competition. Why, then, are we surprised when we see it?” www.chronicle.com/article/the-...
chronicle.com
The College That’s Thriving Under Trump
Federal scrutiny has been a rare sap on Grand Canyon University’s growth. Until now.
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Brad Mortensen @bmort19.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
Great chat last week with The ‪@chronicle.com of Higher Education on keeping institutions moving forward in turbulent times. Thanks to @reporterdavidj.bsky.social , Leslie Brunelli, and @jordanackermi.bsky.social for their insights. Watch: www.chronicle.com/events/virtu...
chronicle.com
Keeping Your Institution Moving Forward in Turbulent Times
ON DEMAND: In a year marked by political volatility and financial uncertainty, the pressure on higher-education leaders has never been greater. Discover how leaders continue to advance their strategic...
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
If Harvard and Columbia are the clear losers under the Trump administration, Grand Canyon is a clear winner. On a campus that celebrated in the streets when Trump won, the change in administrations has meant a seismic shift in how the college is viewed in D.C. www.chronicle.com/article/the-...
chronicle.com
The College That’s Thriving Under Trump
Federal scrutiny has been a rare sap on Grand Canyon University’s growth. Until now.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 03/08/2025
We’ve been vacationing at this same spot on Lake Huron for the last dozen years or so, just outside Mackinac city at the top of Michigan’s lower peninsula. If you’ve never been up here before, you should put it on your list — it’s the perfect spot.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
You've still got time to get signed up for tomorrow's panel I'm hosting, featuring University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker, Washington State University CFO Leslie Brunelli and Weber State University President Brad Mortensen www.chronicle.com/events/virtu...
chronicle.com
Keeping Your Institution Moving Forward in Turbulent Times
UPCOMING: July 31, 2025 | 2 p.m. ET In a year marked by political volatility and financial uncertainty, the pressure on higher-education leaders has never been greater. Discover how leaders continue t...
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Garrett Shanley @garrettshanley.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
U. of Florida is extending interim President Kent Fuchs’ contract through Sept. 1 as it continues to find a temporary successor after Santa J. Ono’s failed bid. A new search will launch early 2026. www.wuft.org/fresh-take-f...
wuft.org
UF keeps interim president for another month
President Kent Fuchs has agreed to a one-month contract extension ending Sept. 1.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
Excited to host this virtual conversation on Thursday with University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker; Weber State University President Brad Mortensen and Washington State University CFO Leslie Brunelli. Join us by signing up below. www.chronicle.com/events/virtu...
chronicle.com
Keeping Your Institution Moving Forward in Turbulent Times
UPCOMING: July 31, 2025 | 2 p.m. ET In a year marked by political volatility and financial uncertainty, the pressure on higher-education leaders has never been greater. Discover how leaders continue t...
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
A new leader for the Chron: www.chronicle.com/article/the-...
chronicle.com
The Chronicle of Higher Education Names Brad Wolverton as Editor
He becomes the 10th person to lead the nation’s largest independent newsroom focused on colleges and universities.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
My late-afternoon office. Days like these are why we put up with Michigan winters.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
Despite being dissolved as an official entity in early May by the state of South Carolina, Bob Jones University has continued to operate as normal – including graduating students and running summer orientation – despite state law saying it should cease operations. www.chronicle.com/article/appa...
chronicle.com
Apparent Paperwork Error Threatens Bob Jones U.'s Legal Standing in South Carolina
The prominent Christian university’s nonprofit arm was dissolved by the state earlier this year, but it has continued to operate, raising questions about the law and its accreditation.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Looking for someone with expertise in required legal corporation filings universities have to make. Who should I reach out to? DM me or email me: david.jesse@chronicle.com
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Are you currently, or have you been, an appointed board member at a public university? If so, I'd like to talk to you for a story. Please DM me or email me at david.jesse@chronicle.com
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
If a college flipped to not accepting federal funds to get away from government control, they would see a fund-raising boom, one president of a college that doesn't take federal funds said. “I think they would see a financial uplift from their supporters rallying around them,” he said.
chronicle.com
Under Trump, Colleges Wonder How to Do Without Federal Money. These Campuses Already Know.
A small number of colleges have long refused federal funds due to their religious identities or a desire to stay lean. Here’s how they balance their budgets.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Looking for studies on the process used to set indirect cost allocations on academic research. Point me to what I should be reading, please.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
The story of Santa Ono, who foreswore DEI and walked away with nothing, has taken on an allegorical quality. His experience strikes at the heart of the most pressing questions confronting higher education today: What do we stand for? What are we willing to abandon? And how much will ever be enough?
chronicle.com
Santa Ono Wanted a Presidency. He Became a Pariah.
The former University of Michigan leader’s failed move to Florida has taken on unmistakable political significance for higher education.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
UPDATED: Ono spent much of the meeting dodging direct answers. When pressed on Covid mandates — with the questioner pointing out that as an immunologist, he must have an opinion — he answered: “I’m a mouse doctor. I’m a test tube kind of guy.” www.chronicle.com/article/stat...
chronicle.com
Vying for U. of Florida Presidency, Santa Ono Embraced Conservative Positions. It Didn’t Work.
The former University of Michigan president’s bid to take over the top job in Gainesville ended in dramatic fashion at a contentious meeting of the State University System of Florida’s Board of Govern...
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
BREAKING: Statewide Board Rejects Santa Ono's Bid to Become U. of Florida President. More to come shortly. www.chronicle.com/article/stat...
chronicle.com
Statewide Board Rejects Santa Ono’s Bid to Become U. of Florida President
The State University System of Florida’s Board of Governors voted down the former University of Michigan president’s appointment Tuesday, ending a bid that came to resemble a political campaign.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
BREAKING: The Florida higher education system Board of Governors rejects the hiring of Santa Ono as University of Florida president. Vote was 6 yes, 10 no.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
By inserting himself so deliberately into a single public university’s presidential search, Rufo has signaled what he says will be a new normal in higher education. Future university leaders, he said, should be vetted like political candidates...." www.chronicle.com/article/for-...
chronicle.com
For the College Presidency, It’s Officially Campaign Season
Santa Ono’s quest to lead the U. of Florida has looked an awful lot like a national political run.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Throughout his historically short tenure in charge of one of the premier public universities in the nation, Santa Ono often would disappear, leaving staff, including the university’s top administrators, looking for direction, sources told me. www.chronicle.com/article/at-u...
chronicle.com
At U. of Michigan, Frustrations Grew Over a President Who Couldn’t Be Pinned Down
Santa Ono, now the sole finalist for the University of Florida presidency, could be hard to find in Ann Arbor, several sources said. The university called the idea that its former president was diseng...
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
www.chronicle.com/article/the-...
chronicle.com
A President, a Politician, and the 774 Words That Came Between Them
How a former congressman’s donation helped torpedo a presidency — and sparked a legal battle that continues today.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
We interrupt the normal postings here for an important PSA: Having survived a house fire earlier this week solely due to smoke detectors waking us up, I can't urge you strongly enough to stop surfing the Internet and go and make sure: 1. You have smoke alarms all over your house. 2. They are working
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
BREAKING: St. Andrews University will close May 5. @brappaport.bsky.social and I have the story for @theassemblync.bsky.social and Border Belt Independent, including details about what President Tarun Malik told faculty in a meeting this morning. www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
theassemblync.com
St. Andrew's Unversity in N.C. to Close Amid Financial Struggles
Following decades of struggles for the small private school in Laurinburg, officials said it will cease operations in less than two weeks.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Last week, I sent an open records request for some pretty basic and targeted records to 20 major public universities across the country. Records have begun to flow in, none with a charge, except for one: @umich.edu wants $367 and will do their best to get it to me within 60 days.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Buried in Debt, This Small College Says It May Be Headed for Closure chronicle.com/article/buri...
chronicle.com
Buried in Debt, This Small College Says It May Be Headed for Closure
South Carolina’s Limestone University has for years struggled with enrollment losses and accrued debt, including from the federal government.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
"But New College today resembles neither the conservative dream nor the liberal nightmare. Part everyday small college and part proxy battle in the culture war, it is plagued by ordinary questions over how to boost enrollment amid extraordinary levels of outside scrutiny." From Emma Pettit.
chronicle.com
The College That Conservatives Took Over
The overhaul of New College of Florida stoked fear on the left and excitement on the right. Two years in, what’s really changed?
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Follow along here
chronicle.com
Tracking Trump’s Higher-Ed Agenda
The federal government is reshaping its relationship with the nation’s colleges. Use our new tracker to keep up with the latest.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Deportation crackdown targets foreign college students in Michigan www.freep.com/story/news/e...
freep.com
Deportation crackdown targets foreign college students in Michigan
The Trump administration appears to be scanning law enforcement databases in search of foreign students to deport.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Word of that change came less than two weeks after Michigan’s president, Santa J. Ono, and other top university officials announced that the office she oversees would be eliminated and the university’s strategic plan, DEI 2.0, would be discontinued.
chronicle.com
Head of University of Michigan’s Embattled DEI Program Will Lead AERA
The flagship recently dismantled its DEI office after critics called its efforts ineffective and censorious.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Check out this article from Detroit Free Press: Lawyer for U-M protester detained at airport after spring break trip with family www.freep.com/story/news/l...
freep.com
Lawyer for U-M protester detained at airport after spring break trip with family
Dearborn lawyer says feds tried to seize his cellphone at Detroit Metro Airport as he returned from spring break trip with his family.
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David Jesse @reporterdavidj.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
Today’s mail included some reading material for next week
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