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When higher education comes under attack, who stands up to defend its core mission? In this compelling conversation, Chancellor John King of the State University of New York brings his unique perspective as a former high school teacher, Secretary of Education under President Obama, and leader of a major education advocacy organization to address the most pressing challenges facing American universities today. Chancellor King doesn't mince words as he articulates how SUNY maintains its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion despite political headwinds: "For us, diversity, equity, inclusion is in our DNA." He shares concrete examples of how SUNY serves 370,000 degree-seeking students while ensuring campuses remain places of belonging for everyone, regardless of background. The conversation takes a sobering turn when discussing research funding cuts threatened by the current administration. "It's a disaster for the country," King explains, detailing how the proposed $79 million reduction in NIH funding alone would devastate critical research on cancer treatments, Alzheimer's, and 9/11 first responder care. "Our international competitors are laughing at us," he notes, calling this a "willful dismantling of our competitive advantage. "Drawing on his experience as Education Secretary, King provides a masterful breakdown of the Department of Education's four essential functions – from supporting vulnerable students to protecting civil rights – and why dismantling it would harm America's future. He outlines potential areas for bipartisan progress, including thoughtfully designed short-term credential programs and renewed investment in research that could usher in "a golden age" of scientific advancement. For anyone concerned about the future of American higher education, this conversation reveals both the gravity of current threats and a path forward rooted in demonstrating value and serving communities. As Chancellor King advises emerging leaders, we must be "obsessed with demonstrating value" – both economic and civic – while building strong peer networks to navigate these challenging times.