As we near the end of this year, it’s easy to feel a sense of disappointment. There’s been plenty to ruminate on, especially with the unrest on campuses and the rising ideological divisions at some top universities. However, as a university president, I view this season of Christmas—a time for reflection, renewal, and, yes, hope—as a moment to consider that the narrative of higher education in 2025 isn’t solely one of collapse. There’s also a story of belief emerging.
This year has been notable for student activism. It’s not just students; my parents have also been involved. Christian leaders have stood firm, leading to visible signs of positive change across various locations. Sure, it’s not universal, and it’s certainly not perfect, but there is definitely a shift happening.
Reflecting on this year, there are five key moments that stand out, signaling that meaningful change is underway.
1. Advocacy for Women’s Sports
There has been a strong movement this year aimed at protecting women’s track and field from ideological encroachments. States have begun passing laws to ensure fairness, and student-athletes have voiced their concerns with clarity and passion. For the first time in many years, public opinion seems to be shifting. It’s clear that biology isn’t a bias; truth matters, and students are increasingly willing to articulate their stance.
2. Resurgence of Free Speech
This year, we’ve seen Christian and conservative voices push back against restrictions on free speech—and they’re winning. There’s been a noticeable rise in support for those advocating their viewpoints across the country. For far too long, students with traditional beliefs felt silenced, but many have now chosen to speak out powerfully yet respectfully. Thankfully, the judicial system is beginning to back them.
3. Trust in Elite Universities is Shifting
High-profile scandals at esteemed institutions like Harvard have not only made waves but unveiled a significant crisis of trust. Families noticing these issues are starting to look for guidance and integrity elsewhere. This is a critical moment; perhaps we are witnessing the end of an era defined by blind prestige and the beginning of one focused on purpose-driven education.
4. The Role of Parents in Education
Parents have been reasserting their voices across the nation, whether through participation in school board meetings or reassessing the colleges their children should attend. Many are pushing back against extreme ideologies, demanding better accountability from educational institutions. They’re asking the right questions, seeking schools that align with their values, and eagerly participating in shaping the academic landscape for future generations.
5. Declining Public Trust in Higher Education
This year marked a low point for public trust in higher education, which might seem alarming at first. But this decline can be interpreted positively. It reflects a desire for a more effective model—one that emphasizes truth, character, and community over bureaucracy and partisan agendas. This vacuum can allow innovative, mission-oriented universities to emerge as leaders.
As the president of Southeastern University, I have witnessed these changes firsthand. We collaborate with churches, families, and communities to present a model of higher education grounded in Biblical truth. Our focus is not on helping students escape from the world but on empowering them to lead within it.
Looking ahead to 2026, it’s crucial we maintain this momentum. Now isn’t the time to pull back; it’s time for renewal. For parents, this means selecting schools based on fit rather than rankings. For students, it involves pursuing truth rather than popularity. And for universities, it is vital to hold onto moral clarity instead of seeking cultural approval.
We must embody hope rather than fear. While fear highlights fractures, hope sees pathways to restoration. Our mission as Christian leaders should be to foster resilience, faith, and joy. Our grounds need to be sanctuaries where truth is protected and proclaimed. It’s about preparing students not just for jobs but for lives rich with meaning, service, and leadership. That’s the future we’re striving toward, and evidence this year shows we are not alone.
There’s still plenty of work ahead. Yet, there are grounds for optimism. This year has made it clear that a more promising future for higher education is not just a dream; it’s already unfolding.
As we celebrate Christmas and embrace the new year, let’s remember that light shines brightest amid darkness. We should aim to cultivate institutions where courage flourishes, faith is lived, and hope isn’t merely an emotion but a driving force. This is essential.
