By Barbara Gellman-Danley, HLC President 

It was great seeing 3,500 attendees in Chicago at “Higher Learning 2026,” HLC’s Annual Conference. Sessions were very enriching, with a variety of institutions representing the best practices on their campuses. We were delighted to see the extensive networking and our own interaction with many of you. While we discussed the challenges in higher education, many success stories were also highlighted. In my Welcome Address I encouraged attendees to leave us a note about what makes them feel good about their own college or university. Here are some of the responses:  

• One thing that makes me feel good about Fort Hays State University (Kansas) is its unflagging commitment to access. 
• Strong commitment to student success (Southwestern Illinois College). 
• Great employees and camaraderie (New Mexico Junior College). 
• Our focus on student success in preparing physicians to practice in primary care and in underserved areas of the U.S. (West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine). 
• Staying true to our mission of innovation, access, and equity and providing students support towards their goals. (National Louis University). 

These few examples show the positive impact of colleges and universities coupled with the commitment of employees to the students. One respondent noted she would appreciate larger conversations about “how we improve lives.” Many noted the importance of honoring their mission—tribal colleges, faith-based institutions, universities, community colleges, single-purpose universities, and others. New attendees seeking accreditation with HLC expressed excitement about the process and building strong relationships with our staff.  

Sharing these positive stories exemplifies the important context of higher education institutions serving students and their communities. While this issue of News Brief includes articles about some of the challenges facing us, remember there are hundreds of similar attestations to the critical impact you have on students’ lives. 

When I travel to campuses, I hear similar stories of pride. I recently participated in “Catalyst Conversations” at the University of Nebraska Omaha. While there, I had a chance to talk with faculty representatives about key initiatives at HLC, including reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees. HLC is also featured at other national conferences, such as the recent Association of Governing Boards (AGB), where three of HLC’s institutional leaders provided a robust discussion on short-term credentials. I facilitated a plenary session where a speaker faced the room and made a very strong statement to trustees and presidents, “Accreditation does not stifle innovation.” The Higher Learning Commission is committed to encouraging new ways of serving the broad spectrum of learners represented through our members. Just this month, HLC’s Credential Lab Advisory Board met in Chicago to continue the conversations about alternative paths to learning in the changing landscape of higher education. 

As we move into Negotiated Rulemaking on accreditation this month, you will receive regular updates, including the Triad News article in this month’s News Brief. We will keep you posted and provide advocacy for our institutions. We encourage leadership to stay tuned and actively provide feedback through your professional associations and other outlets, including keeping us apprised as needed about the impact of proposals on your colleges and universities.  

Keep us informed about your success stories, challenges and opportunities. HLC will continue to be your partner to propel higher education together toward a promising future.