2022 APLU Annual Meeting Recap

More than 1,100 public research university leaders gathered in Denver, Colorado for the 2022 APLU Annual Meeting. The meeting’s theme was Future Forward and featured several keynotes and dozens of concurrent sessions.

Keynote Sessions:

Welcoming Remarks from APLU President Mark Becker
In remarks opening the 2022 APLU Annual Meeting, President Mark Becker outlined his vision of how public higher education can meet the moment by renewing its timeless education, research, and engagement mission to deliver equity, upward mobility, and widely shared prosperity at a time of great societal need. President Becker also shared how his personal journey as a first-generation college student inspired his service as a higher education leader, motivating his work to protect and expand the transformative power of public higher education.

Future Forward Keynote Panel
Moderated by University of Colorado Denver Chancellor Michelle Marks, this keynote panel discussed how institutions can boldly meet the moment at a time of extraordinary change and uncertainty by innovating and thinking outside the box to help their education, research, and engagement missions reach new heights. The panelists discussed how public universities can proactively lead on a host of issues such as student success, diversity, equity, and inclusion, research, economic development, international partnerships, and more. The panel featured:

• Rachel T.A. Croson, Executive Vice President and Provost, University of Minnesota;
• Darryll J. Pines, President, University of Maryland;
• Rodolfo H. Torres, Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development, University of California, Riverside;
• Charlotte Yates, President & Vice-Chancellor, University of Guelph.

Innovation Anywhere, Opportunities Everywhere: Accelerating the Frontiers of Science & Technology
National Science Foundation Director Panchanathan’s keynote, titled Innovation Anywhere, Opportunities Everywhere: Accelerating the Frontiers of Science & Technology, addressed the new CHIPS and Science Act and the role the public research university community can play in its implementation; how NSF and its new Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships Directorate plan to take advantage of the momentum created by this law to expand our nation’s innovative capacity; and how the community can leverage the potential of the CHIPS and Science Act to address scientific workforce gaps and create new opportunities for STEM learners everywhere.

Celebrating the Career of Peter McPherson
Past and present public university leaders shared words of admiration and thanks for APLU President Emeritus Peter McPherson’s 16+ year career of service and dedication to advancing public research universities as president of APLU. It was also announced that the Board has approved the creation of a new award in Peter’s honor to be bestowed annually on a leader whose career was defined by a deep commitment to the collective advancement of the public research university mission. Watch a companion video honoring and celebrating the career of President Emeritus Peter McPherson for his 16+ years of service to APLU and countless contributions to the public research university community.

A Changing World: The Pivotal Role of Public Research Universities in a Green Economy
How can public research universities lead the way in a rapid transition to a green economy, most recently furthered by record federal investment in renewable energy and related infrastructure? What steps are universities taking to position themselves to provide the workforce education needed to support renewable energy production, energy efficient manufacturing technologies, and climate resilient infrastructure? And how are they working to support their communities and states as they both mitigate the human and economic impact of climate change and adopt sustainable energy initiatives?

A Critical Moment: Protecting, Strengthening & Advancing Democracy
Tuesday’s sessions include a panel of leaders from APLU member institutions discussing the essential role for our public universities in strengthening and advancing democracy. Held on the morning of Election Day, this panel will explore the historical role public universities have played in promoting democratic values and civic engagement and discuss how our institutions can expand on existing democracy programs and initiatives that foster civil discourse, promote civic engagement, address polarization, and further the public good at this critical moment in U.S. history.