Leadership Conversations-Advancing Education in Complex Times

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In the CASE Leadership Conversations, Sue Cunningham hosts a discussion with university presidents Barbara Altman, Mohamed Lachimi, and Duncan Iverson, focusing on advancing education in complex times. The panelists bring diverse international experiences, leading institutions across Canada, the UK, the US, and Australia. They emphasize the rewarding aspect of leadership as guiding students' transformative journeys and the vital role universities play in their communities amid political and social challenges.<br /><br />They highlight the impact of geopolitics and government policies restricting international student numbers, which threatens the diversity and financial sustainability of higher education. The panelists stress that international students enrich campus life and domestic students’ learning, advocating for balanced immigration policies and collaboration across institutions to maintain global engagement.<br /><br />Financially, they agree the traditional funding models are under strain—with increased reliance on tuition, government support, and philanthropy. Philanthropy is seen as a crucial opportunity to complement public funding, though donor influence must respect institutional values and academic freedom. CASE standards provide a useful framework in managing donor relationships ethically.<br /><br />The presidents discuss the complexity of their roles, requiring skills such as tuning out noise, staying calm, listening deeply, and balancing diverse demands. They recognize that higher education’s value is often questioned, yet data shows profound economic and social benefits. Communicating this effectively to the public and policymakers remains essential.<br /><br />Despite unprecedented challenges—including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions—the leaders view these times as opportunities to strengthen universities’ impact and adapt to societal needs, underscoring the ongoing mission to transform lives through education.

Asset Subtitle

20 January 2026

Keywords

CASE Leadership Conversations

university presidents

higher education leadership

international students

geopolitics and education

funding models in universities

philanthropy in education

academic freedom

COVID-19 impact on education

transformative education