Executive Director’s Note

By Julia Michaels

Congratulations on completing one of the most trying academic calendar years on record! The past year has challenged public research universities in a large number of ways, but it has also created a critical window for lasting change as the 125 institutions in Powered by Publics continued their work to eliminate equity gaps and increase the number of students earning degrees, particularly those who are low-income, minoritized, and first-generation.

Equity is at the heart of this work. That’s why Powered by Publics is undertaking our own work to define, measure, and demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion rooted in data and dialogue that helps APLU and Powered by Publics make real progress on these issues. Led by Powered by Publics’ Alcione Frederick, this work is rapidly advancing and we’re looking forward to sharing more about these efforts in the coming months. This work informs and enhances other efforts at APLU to address equity.

To that end, we’re delighted to share new research from APLU, the TIAA Institute, and nine institutions participating in Powered by Publics. Thanks to APLU’s Alcione Frederick, Kate Michaels, and Melissa Rivas for leading this research and campus teams from Cleveland State University; Rutgers University-Newark; University of Cincinnati; University of Louisville; University of North Texas; University of Texas at San Antonio; Virginia Commonwealth University; Wayne State University; and West Virginia University for their critical work on this effort. You can learn more about this research on the Powered by Publics Affordability Learning Hub webpage.

We’re also excited to share new research from APLU’s Dr. Denise Nadasen, who manages the Data Integration Cluster, examining the landscape of data analytics on public four-year campuses and challenges to advancing a data-informed campus culture. The research draws on insights from APLU’s Commission on Information, Measurement, and Analysis and interviews with other senior leaders.

I also encourage you to explore other resources and events in this newsletter, including:

• A June 22 APLU Webinar Celebrating Pride Month;
• A recording of an IUPUI-led Powered by Publics Workshop on helping students build financial confidence through coaching-based advising. This event was offered through our emerging Learning Hub on Holistic Student Supports.
• A new report from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on the value of postsecondary education.
• And a fantastic article on UAPB’s efforts to increase enrollment, retention, and graduation and Dr. Braque Talley’s efforts to meet student needs during the pandemic.