NACUBO In Brief

How are college and university endowments performing? NACUBO's Ken Redd, senior director for research and policy analysis, and Liz Clark, vice president for policy and research, explore findings from the 2025 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments, including investment returns, spending trends, charitable gifts, and student-managed funds. Beyond the numbers, they also discuss the study's core purpose: educating policymakers, the public, business partners, and NACUBO members about how endowments work, how funds are stewarded, and the practices that guide long-term management and governance in support of student success.   Additional Resources Connect with Liz on LinkedIn Connect with Ken on LinkedIn Access the NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments Explore more Endowment Management Resources from NACUBO Register for the Endowment Leadership Series (February 17 – March 12, 2026) Learn more about CASE Insights on Voluntary Support of Education Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

What role does professional development play in helping higher education leaders navigate increasingly challenging environments? NACUBO's Randy Roberson, vice president for leadership development, joins Liz Clark and Bryan Dickson in a conversation about NACUBO's education programs for 2026. They discuss how member-driven content, policy expertise, business partner insights, and peer learning come together across conferences, forums, and online programs. This episode highlights how NACUBO programming helps business officers turn complexity into clarity, build community, and lead their institutions with confidence.     Additional Resources Connect with Liz on LinkedIn Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn Connect with Randy on LinkedIn Learn about Bursar Fundamentals (February 12, 2026) Learn about the Endowment Leadership Series (February 17 – March 12, 2026) Learn about the Student Financial Services Conference (March 8 – 10, 2026) Check out the Higher Education Accounting Forum (April 13 – 15, 2026) Check out the NACUBO Annual Meeting (July 18 – 21, 2026) Check out the NACUBO Events page for forthcoming information on: Planning, Budgeting, and Analytics Forum (October 5 – 7, 2026) Tax Forum (October 25 – 27, 2026) Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

How are higher education business officers integrating artificial intelligence into their work? Join NACUBO's Liz Clark, vice president, policy and research, and Lindsay Wayt, senior director of business intelligence, as they discuss how AI is moving from experimentation to everyday practice across campus operations. They explore new survey insights, emerging use cases, and the opportunities and risks AI presents—from automation and data-informed decision-making to governance, ethics, and ROI. The conversation highlights how business officers can approach AI with cautious optimism while planning strategically for the future. Additional Resources Connect with Liz on LinkedIn Connect with Lindsay on LinkedIn Check out the 5 Things Business Officers Can Do to Support AI Use Read more about the AI survey report Learn more with the Actionable Insights for AI Series (May 12—26) Check out NACUBO's webpage on Artificial Intelligence in the Business Office Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

How can colleges and universities remain agile, student-centered, and future-focused in a rapidly changing work landscape? Join Manish Kumar, vice president for administration and finance at Bowie State University, and NACUBO's Bryan Dickson as they discuss how hybrid work, shifting campus culture, and new technology continue to reshape higher education operations. Manish shares lessons from Bowie State's post-pandemic transformation—from flexible work policies and reimagined campus space usage to strategic long-term planning and responsible AI adoption.   Additional Resources Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn Learn more about Manish and Bowie State Read NACUBO's coverage on Supporting and Maintaining the Workforce, from NACUBO's Top 5 Higher Education Business Issues of 2025 Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

In this episode, NACUBO President and CEO Kara D. Freeman joins Liz Clark, vice president for policy and research, to share what she's heard from business officers and other higher education administrations from across the country during her travels this fall. Kara brings a broad view of the challenges institutions are navigating and identifies major themes emerging across institutions—uncertain funding, rising costs, workforce pressures, and rapid digital transformation. She highlights how business officers are adapting through flexible planning, collaboration, and innovation.   Additional Resources Connect with Liz on LinkedIn Connect with Kara on LinkedIn Read NACUBO's Top 5 Higher Education Business Issues of 2025 Use NACUBO's More Is Possible With Higher Education to amplify the value of higher education Check out the NACUBO Student Success Hub Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

November 12, 2025, marked the end of the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. What happens next for higher education? In this episode, NACUBO's Liz Clark, vice president, policy and research, and Bryan Dickson, director of student financial services and educational programs, discuss how the shutdown impacted colleges and universities and what changes are on the horizon now that the government has reopened. They discuss the FY26 budget, Workforce Pell, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, federally sponsored research, and more – and what it all means for the campus business office.   Additional Resources Connect with Liz on LinkedIn Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn Read more NACUBO coverage on these topics: Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Sponsored Research Liz's Shutdown Story "Many Questions Remain Unanswered Despite End of Shutdown" Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

What happens when institutions prioritize collaboration over competition and align their missions together for the common good? Join Charlie McFarland, director, strategic affiliation initiatives, Antioch University; Jeff Nutter, chief financial officer and vice president for business affairs, Otterbein University; and NACUBO's Liz Clark, as they discuss how and why their universities formed a separate entity—the Coalition for the Common Good, a different type of academic shared services organization that has created new pathways and opportunities for students   Charlie and Jeff talk about shared governance, shared resources, faculty buy-in, and the coalition's overall impact on enrollment and how it is clearing pathways for student success and completion at both Antioch University and Otterbein University. They also discuss a dedication to promoting the common good, including democracy, social justice, equity, inclusion, and engaged global citizenship.   Additional Resources Connect with Liz on LinkedIn Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn Learn about Coalition for the Common Good Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

College and university business officers know what they know, but how can they translate commonly misunderstood complex financial terms and processes – such as endowments, deferred maintenance, and funding salary and benefit rates – into something accessible for nonfinancial audiences? In this episode, Rachel Pauletti, director, higher education consulting at Forvis Mazars, joins NACUBO's Liz Clark in a conversation about the importance of the business officer's role in effective financial communication with campus faculty and staff.   Rachel explains that faculty and staff are critical stakeholders in strategic planning, thus, not giving them a full understanding of at least the operating model and high-level revenues and expenses would be a disservice. They can bring interesting thoughts to the table – especially once they have all the information.   Additional Resources Connect with Liz on LinkedIn Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn Check out NACUBO's Strategic Higher Education Finance and Planning Course Learn about Forvis Mazars' Higher Education Financial Literacy Training Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) is more than just a threat assessment; it's a methodical organization-wide approach to making decisions about the safety and security of college and university community members – on campus and abroad. Join Bronté Burleigh-Jones, CFO, vice president, and treasurer at American University; Keesha Trim, senior director of risk management at the University of Richmond; and NACUBO's Liz Clark as they discuss key considerations to make when implementing an integrated approach to risk management in higher education.   Bronté and Keesha talk about the shared responsibility in ensuring ERM plans are always ready to meet the moment and how to communicate ERM strategies to the broader community. Bronté also shares the mindful approach her campus took in conducting a risk analysis on whether to arm or not arm the campus police department – showcasing how a thoughtful ERM process can set a standard for future decision-making.   Additional Resources Connect with Liz on LinkedIn Connect with Keesha on LinkedIn Learn about University Risk Management and Insurance Association (URMIA) Check out URMIA's Annual Conference, Oct 12-16 Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

When tuition policies have more exceptions than the rule or there is a need to increase student enrollment and reach new markets, it might be time for institutions to take a fresh look at—and consider modernizing—those policies. In this episode, the University System of Maryland's Colleen Auburger, associate vice chancellor for budget analysis, and Chad Muntz, associate vice chancellor for decision support and chief analytics officer, join NACUBO's Bryan Dickson in a conversation on how they aligned tuition policies with their strategic priorities and guiding values of accessibility and affordability.   Chad and Colleen discuss how they built a workplan with considerations for timing, impacts, and risks, and the importance of engaging with stakeholder groups in a meaningful and manageable way to get feedback. They also share how equity and access were addressed and offer advice for other institutions exploring a realignment of tuition policies with long-term strategic planning.   Additional Resources Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn Connect with Chad on LinkedIn Connect with Colleen on LinkedIn Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

Employee disengagement and burnout don't just affect morale; they carry real financial and human costs for institutions. In this episode, Amanda Bailey, vice president for human resources at Boston University, and Kelcey Stratton, chief behavioral health strategist at the University of Michigan, join NACUBO's Bryan Dickson in a conversation on the hidden costs when institutions don't prioritize mental health and employee well-being.   There are institutional costs associated with employee turnover, as well as absenteeism, presenteeism, and lower engagement. Amanda and Kelcey review healthcare data and share how their institutions are aligning policies and programs to meet the evolving needs of faculty and staff. They also share how business officers can think holistically about cost, culture, and impact, and why well-being should remain part of financial sustainability conversations.   Additional Resources Read this Surgeon General Publication on Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being Read more on Employee Engagement Strategies: Fixing the World's $8.8 Trillion Problem Read more about Addressing Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being With Purpose - Huron Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn Connect with Kelcey on LinkedIn Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn

There's no shortage of news about the U.S. Department of Education these days—from an executive order proposing to eliminate the agency, to new proposals on Capitol Hill that could reshape federal aid programs, to upcoming regulatory changes. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators' Karen McCarthy joins NACUBO's Liz Clark and Bryan Dickson to explore what these developments mean for higher education institutions and staff working in financial aid and business offices. They also discuss how NASFAA and NACUBO are supporting their members through advocacy and engagement.   Additional Resources: Read the latest NACUBO news Follow NASFAA on LinkedIn Connect with Liz Clark on LinkedIn Connect with Bryan Dickson on LinkedIn Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

April 30 marked the first 100 days President Trump's second term in the White House. Executive orders and federal agency upheavals have created new challenges and much uncertainty for colleges and universities. On Capitol Hill, House budget and tax proposals include a number of policy ideas that are adding to concerns. NACUBO's Liz Clark and Ashley Jackson discuss these issues and advocacy efforts NACUBO has taken on behalf of its members.   Additional Resources: Read the latest NACUBO news Register for the next NACUBO Washington Update Connect with Ashley Jackson on LinkedIn Connect with Liz Clark on LinkedIn

The fifth edition of the National Profile of Higher Education Chief Business Officers, released last year, offers crucial insights into the career paths, responsibilities, and aspirations of CBOs across the country. In this special crossover episode between CBO Speaks and NACUBO in Brief, host Donna Schiele and NACUBO's Bryan Dickson explore the Profile's findings with Nicole Long, chief financial officer and vice president of finance and administration at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, and Peter Elliott, vice president for administrative services at South Florida State College in Avon Park, Florida.   The Profile examines key demographic trends in higher education leadership, revealing significant progress in diversity while highlighting areas still needing improvement. Long and Elliott provide valuable context around the study's findings on career pathways, succession planning, and evolving skill requirements. Their discussion emphasizes how the CBO role continues to expand beyond traditional financial oversight, with increasing focus on data analytics, new business models, and strategic planning - areas that require intentional development of future leaders.   Join us for an insightful discussion about: Key findings from the 2024 CBO Profile, including demographic shifts and emerging trends Essential skills for modern CBOs, including strategic planning and change management The importance of succession planning and developing future leaders How the role of CBO continues to evolve and expand beyond traditional financial responsibilities Strategies for attracting diverse talent to CBO positions The 2024 National Profile of Higher Education Chief Business Officers provides crucial insights into the changing nature of the profession, revealing how the role continues to expand beyond traditional financial oversight to encompass strategic planning, data analytics, and comprehensive institutional leadership. This discussion brings these findings to life through the experiences of current CBOs, offering valuable perspective for institutions and leaders working to develop the next generation of higher education business officers.   Links Learn more about the National Profile of Higher Education Chief Business Officers Connect with Peter on LinkedIn Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

Executive orders and memos issued during President Trump's first weeks back in the White House have elevated risk and uncertainty for colleges and universities. A leaked list of House budget and tax proposals includes a number of alarming policy ideas, and it is unclear how, or if, the Congress will be able to fund the federal government after March 14. NACUBO's Liz Clark and Ashley Jackson discuss these issues and advocacy efforts NACUBO has taken on behalf of its members.   Links & Notes NACUBO Letter to Congress on 2025 Priorities (January 31, 2025) NACUBO Statement on Federal Funding Freeze Catch up on news from NACUBO Register for NACUBO's February 11, 2025 Washington Update Connect with Ashley Jackson on LinkedIn Connect with Liz Clark on LinkedIn Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

Dr. Ruth Johnston, vice president of NACUBO Consulting joins Liz Clark to talk about NACUBO Consulting. Ruth talks about the expertise, experience, and leadership abilities NACUBO consultants bring to each engagement. She also discusses some of the top issues for which institutions are seeking solutions. Ruth also explains how NACUBO Consultants are integrating tools available from NACUBO such as the Student Success Hub, resources developed by NACUBO's analytics team, and more.   Links & Notes Learn more about NACUBO Consulting Connect with Ruth Johnston on LinkedIn Access the NACUBO Student Success Hub Explore additional analytics resources from NACUBO Discover Higher Education's Top 5 Business Issues of 2024

La Toya Hart, Ph.D., assistant vice president, institutional research, planning and effectiveness, at Jackson State University and Lindsay Wayt, Ph.D., senior director, analytics, at NACUBO join Liz Clark to talk about the new Change With Analytics Playbook, a comprehensive resource designed to support institutions in creating a culture and capacity for strategic data use. The free resource contains 16 "plays" for data leaders to follow in order to make significant progress on their institution's analytics goals.   Links & Notes Access the Change with Analytics Playbook Connect with La Toya on LinkedIn Connect with Lindsay on Linked In Explore additional analytics resources from NACUBO

Demographic and economic swings are a reality for colleges and universities, but thoughtful campus leaders can create proactive, rather than reactive, approaches to program development and connect those with employers' workforce needs. Ivy Tech Community College's Dominick Chase, senior vice president and chief financial officer, and Molly Dodge, senior vice president of workforce and careers sit down with NACUBO's Bryan Dickson, director of student financial services and educational programs, to discuss how the institution cultivated corporate partnerships and legislative support for a dynamic, skills-oriented curriculum that has increasingly transformed student outcomes.   Additional Resources:   Connect with Dominick on LinkedIn Connect with Molly on LinkedIn Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks

Student retention is a top priority for every campus and is affected by numerous factors. Everything from accessibility to payment instructions, course registration and billing due dates, payment methods and options could influence student retention. Join Becky Copper-Glenz, Fitchburg State University's dean for the school of graduate, online, and continuing education, and Bryan Dickson, NACUBO's director of student financial services and educational programs as they discuss research findings from the university. They'll explore which billing practices have impacted enrollment and retention, how practices are being applied to different student groups, and whether their payment processes are aligned with today's environment.     Additional Resources: Learn more about Fitchburg State's work Connect with Becky on LinkedIn Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn

Anne Ollen, Managing Director at the TIAA Institute, a think-tank within TIAA, develops and executes the TIAA Institute's higher education program. In conversation with NACUBO's vice president for policy and research, Liz Clark, Anne shares highlights from a recent TIAA Institute research initiative to deepen understanding of potential and current employees' job choices and what people expect to gain in return for the work they do at colleges and universities. She describes a tool institutional leaders can consider—an employee value proposition (EVP)—to convey the benefits of working in higher education. Anne shares insights on the tangible and intangible benefits of an EVP. Additional Resources Explore the research from the TIAA Institute Learn more about Anne Ollen Connect with Anne on LinkedIn Connect with Liz on LinkedIn