Virginia Wesleyan University

Presidents across our coalition are raising their voices—together. In 2025, 71 presidents joined a collective commencement campaign, delivering coordinated messages that echoed a shared refrain.

Inaugural progress report highlights the remarkable strides college presidents have made in fostering free expression, critical inquiry, and civil discourse during an exceptionally challenging year for higher education.

10 presidents join the consortium of leaders of diverse institutions from across the country who are uniting to advance higher education’s pivotal role in preparing students to be engaged citizens.