Plenty to celebrate, and more to do

It’s been said that time moves faster when you’re busy. While not inviting a debate on the scientific merits of that statement, I wholeheartedly agree with it. For years, we’ve been busy — you’ve been busy — all across our PASSHE universities. Together, we’ve undertaken a significant redesign effort that has challenged all of us to rethink what we do and how we do it. 

Yes, very busy.

Many of you have heard me say we must never confuse activity for results. So, when we are able to share good news about the progress we are making, we should celebrate and acknowledge the hard work that made it possible.

This fall, PASSHE universities set a record-high retention rate of 81% — measuring the number of first-year students who returned for their second year. All of our universities are using data-driven strategies to support and retain students. They understand that remaining in college is essential for students to reach their career and income goals, which dovetails with our mission to keep Pennsylvania’s talent supply open.  

We’ve seen improvement in student retention thanks to intentional collaboration among students, staff, and faculty across campuses. Our universities offer innovative support services that are regularly assessed and improved for effectiveness. Faculty advisors, navigators, and coaches play key roles in this process, providing valuable information about resources, success strategies, referrals to campus services, and help with academic planning. Dedicated student success platforms help identify students facing challenges, allowing universities to assist them in overcoming obstacles and getting back on track.      

And student retention is only one of the things we have to celebrate this year. Because our universities have found efficiencies and dedicated more funding to financial aid — and thanks to support from our legislative partners and the governor over the past several years — we’ve reclaimed our affordability advantage. This creates access to opportunity for all Pennsylvanians, which is exactly what state universities should do.   

We are also proud to report that our enrollment of underrepresented minorities has reached 22%, the highest in two decades. Additionally, we saw a notable 14.3% increase in transfers from Pennsylvania community colleges, highlighting strong collaboration between community colleges and PASSHE universities.    

All of this is noteworthy and good — indeed something to celebrate. But there is more work to do.  

At the October Board of Governors meeting, I shared a progress report on our 2025-26 system priorities, which focus on optimizing academics, optimizing finances, and optimizing engagement. These efforts include specific, measurable actions that bolster our longer-term priorities and prepare us for success in the future.  

During my campus visits this fall, I’ve been listening to students, faculty, staff and others as they share their perspective on these priorities and on our future. I’m inspired by them — inspired by you —  as we seek creative ways to better serve our students and our state. At the same time, it’s clear that people are exhausted — being asked to do more with less. So, let’s not just do more; instead let’s do differently the most important things. And for those activities that are not advancing our mission, we must be willing to ask whether we need to do them at all.   

There are exciting and challenging times ahead for all of higher education, and I am grateful to serve alongside you as we navigate them together.  

Chris

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