Reporter’s Roundtable: A Quarter Century of Higher Ed Controversies

In a special crossover episode, Michael and Jeff are joined by Chronicle of Higher Education reporter Jack Stripling to discuss a recent piece by the Chronicle: a March Madness-style bracket of the most memorable higher ed controversies of the last 25 years. The trio relives infamous scandals—from Jetgate and Varsity Blues to faculty feuds, presidential meltdowns, and that $550 olive jar. Along the way, they explore what these stories reveal about rising presidential compensation, the role of athletics in university life, the erosion of shared governance, and the shifting relationship between the public and higher ed. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group and Gates Foundation.

Links We Mention

Higher Ed Controversy Draft, College Matter from the Chronicle

Chapters

0:00 - Intro5:12 - March Madness for Higher Ed Controversies8:53 - Controversies on the Bubble12:30 - Jetgate16:17 - The UVA Re-Hire20:01 - Presidential Compensation23:49 - The Prominent Role of Athletics in Scandals28:42 - Who’s Watching Higher Ed?31:38 - What Scandals Tell Us About Higher Ed Financing38:38 - The State of the College Presidency48:59 - Fighting Factions