A new academic year is upon us, and with it, the familiar mix of excitement and challenge. Across higher education, the realities are undeniable: enrollment pressures, budget cuts, political headwinds, and burnout that feels all too close. At times, the weight threatens to drown out the why.
That’s exactly why we launched Letters to the Future. We invited educators, administrators, and leaders to share the kind of words they wish they had heard when they were just starting out, words that carry both hard-earned wisdom and a spark of hope.
The responses were moving, practical, and powerful. Each voice carried something unique — a story, a spark, a reminder — and together they all pointed us back to the same north star: this work matters, and it’s worth holding onto.
What We Heard
These messages were full of themes that I think we all need to hear right now:
Start with mission. Stay with purpose.Dr. Mordecia Brownlee reminded us to ask, in every policy, program, and person we empower: Are we truly changing lives? Are we closing gaps? Are we advancing opportunities?
Resilience is growth. As Shelia Higgs Burkhalter shared, “every setback is a setup for strength, clarity, and deeper purpose.”
Lead with hope. Especially in turbulent times, Kyle Ross urged us to “acknowledge the reality of the situation, but balance that with optimism and inspiration.”
Students need your sparkle, your spine, and your snacks. Because sometimes joy and persistence are just as important as policy.
Challenge tradition, but lead with compassion.Aja Holmes reminded us that our future depends on both.
Build with students, not just for them. Trends will change, but if you are grounded in knowing and understanding your students, Allison Turcio’s wise words ring true: “You will never be lost.”
Let your “why” guide you.Kin Sejpal encouraged us to let our purpose be our north star, making even the toughest decisions a little lighter.
Stay curious.Thom D. Chesney wrote, “When you enter a conversation with curiosity and wonder, you are more likely to leave it with understanding and illumination.”
Be fearless. Build the bridges, stand up for access and truth — because, as Dr. Yvonne Hernandez Friedman said, “education is still the greatest equalizer we have.”
Learn the politics dance (sometimes in stilettos). Student affairs is relational. Dr. Eddie Martinez pointed us toward learning the politics dance — and how those relationships will carry you through the swirl.
Remember the miracles. Both your presence on campus and your students’ are the results of countless decisions — and today’s choices can create tomorrow’s opportunities, as Adam Copeland shared.
Hold on to your purpose. Bobby Kuntsman underscored that this work asks for our whole selves, but knowing why we do it makes it possible to keep going.
Lead forward, even now. As Keith Edwards shared, “The challenges you’re facing are unprecedented. Find your center, be rooted, and lead us all to better tomorrows. You are enough. You got this.”
Why Now?
We’re sharing these letters as a new academic year begins for so many. Whether you’re preparing for move-in week, teaching your first class of the semester, or launching a new initiative, my hope is that these words land right where you need them.
Higher ed is full of challenges right now, but it’s also full of meaning, connection, and the opportunity to change lives. These letters are a reminder to hold onto that truth.
If you have a message for future higher ed leaders, we’d love to hear from you. You can submit your letter and have it added to the list:
I’m so grateful to every person who contributed to this campaign. Your words will encourage and inspire leaders now and for years to come.
You can read all of the letters below, or download them and save them for when you need it most.
And if these words resonate with you, I’d love for you to share them with a colleague who might need a reminder that they’re not in this work alone.
Here’s to a year grounded in purpose, fueled by hope, and guided by our north star.
— Josie
Dear Future Higher Ed Leader…
“You’ve been called to serve in this moment—to carry forward a mission that is bigger than any one institution, initiative, or role. In every policy, program, and person you empower, ask yourself: Are we truly changing lives? Are we closing gaps? Are we advancing opportunity? Start with mission. Stay with purpose. And surround yourself with people who challenge you to be better.
Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee | President, Community College of Aurora
“Resilience isn’t just bouncing back; it’s choosing to grow through what challenges you. Every setback is a setup for strength, clarity, and deeper purpose. Be courageous!”
Shelia Higgs Burkhalter | Vice President for Student Affairs, Winthrop University
“You are responsible for fostering hope among your team. When times are challenging and turbulent, make sure your team does not dwell in dread. Absolutely acknowledge the reality of the situation, but balance that with optimism and inspiration.”
Kyle Ross | Executive Director, NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising
“Baby, this work will test your patience, your printer, and your Wi-Fi connection—but don’t you dare give up. Students need your sparkle, your spine, and your snacks.”
Anonymous
“Be bold enough to challenge tradition and gentle enough to lead with compassion—our future depends on both.”
Aja Holmes | Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Community Living, University of San Francisco
“Always remember: storms will come and go. What needs to be done to handle each storm will change according to the circumstances. But our values and mission remain constant.”
Daryl A. Carter | Associate Dean, Director, and Professor of History, East Tennessee State University
“Don’t just serve students. Know them. Talk to them. Walk in their shoes. Build with them, not just for them. Let them shape your strategies. Let their voices inform your vision.
Trends will come and go but if you are grounded in a deep understanding of your students you will never be lost.”
Allison Turcio | AVP Enrollment and Marketing, Siena University
“Remember your why. When you use your why as your north star, you’ll be surprised how freeing it is to make decisions — even the tough ones.”
Kin Sejpal | VP, Marketing and Communications/Chief Marketing Officer, University of Redlands
“If I could tell future higher ed leaders one thing, it’s this: be fearless. Build the bridges, stand up for access and truth, and never forget that education is still the greatest equalizer we have.”
Dr. Yvonne Hernandez Friedman | Principal/CEO, YHF Coaching & Consulting
“Welcome to the wonderful world of student affairs—but it’s not for the faint of heart! Here’s the truth: higher ed is not just about helping students—to survive and advance, it’s about learning to do the ‘politics dance’ (and sometimes in Stilettos). Get to know the players, read the room, and never underestimate the power of relationship building. Student affairs is very relational; it’s how you will advance. Use your voice, keep your receipts, and stay rooted in your why. When the politics swirl, remember you are playing the game whether you like it or not. Lastly, trust me: the students you serve will remember the leader who kept it real.”
Dr. Eddie Martinez | Associate Dean for Student Affairs/Campus Senior Student Affairs Officer, Suffolk County Community College
“It’s miraculous in so many ways that students are on your campus – and their presence is transformational in so many ways for so many people. Remember that there are countless decisions that contributed to them being there; there are likely countless decisions that contributed to you being where you are. And all these decisions have culminated in the opportunities that stand in front of you today. So, go and make more miracles happen today, so that the decisions of today transform into the miracles of tomorrow.”
Adam Copeland | CEO, AC Global
“Find your north star and follow it, even when the work feels heavy. What we do matters, and its impact reaches far beyond our students, touching communities and shaping futures. This work often asks for our whole selves, and while it is not easy, knowing why we do it makes it possible to keep going in our most challenging moments. Hold on to that purpose, and let it be your guide on this fantastic journey.”
Bobby Kuntsman | Assistant Vice President, Student Affairs, Duke University
“You are not alone. Seek mentors, build community, and know that collective wisdom will carry you forward.”
Kevin Wright | Faculty, Southern New Hampshire University
“Change will happen TO you and THROUGH you, but always aim for the latter.
The leaders who will shape the next decade in higher education for the better will be those who:
– can navigate complexity with their teams and students – can make hard decisions without losing their humanity, and – remember that education is ultimately about human transformation—ours included
We are proud of you!”
Tricia D. Brand | Former Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging, California College of the Arts
“Don’t forget to take care of yourself while taking care of others. Your work inspires others, and you also set important examples for your colleagues and the next generation of leaders to maintain physical and mental health in these important careers. Don’t forget to fill your cup as you ensure others’ cups don’t run dry. XOXO, TVP”
“Know what your non-negotiable values are, and never compromise them. And if you’re not willing to risk your job to defend your values, don’t accept a leadership position.”
“Higher education is a great source of learning and opportunity for so many. Your experiences and perspective bring your unique voice to the conversation. Keep making a difference in the lives of college students just by being there. Higher education is going to evolve over time, but will always be a great American institution of possibilities and successes.
Higher ed will stretch you. The weight of shifting priorities and dismissed ideas can feel heavy — but so can the joy of being part of someone’s turning point. Both matter.
Here’s what I hope you carry: – Listen deeply. People will tell you what they need, if you create the space. – Stay curious. Change feels slow until it comes all at once. – Protect your spark. Burnout is real — guard your energy. – Remember your impact. People may forget your title, but not how you made them feel.
Higher ed is messy and imperfect — but its future is worth building. And it needs your voice in it.”
Krista Vaught | Principal Advisor, Employee Experience, Frontier Design (formerly at Vanderbilt and UF)
“You belong in every room you enter, even when doubt tries to convince you otherwise. Leadership is not about having all the answers, but about listening deeply, asking the right questions, and building trust. Lead with courage, clarity, and compassion, and you will create spaces where others feel seen and valued. Remember—your presence is powerful, and your impact will ripple far beyond what you can imagine.”
“As you begin this journey, remember what it felt like when your own involvement and dedication made a difference. Now, you get to pass that same energy on to the students you’ll serve. They’ll look to you not just for guidance, but for the advocacy, encouragement, and authenticity that only you can bring. There will be tough days, but your resilience and heart for students will carry you—and them—through. Never forget the impact you’re making on your campus community.”
Juan R. Guardia | Vice President of Student Affairs, Texas A&M University San Antonio
“Remember the need we all have for connectedness and belonging, extend that grace to the university community.”
“Higher education is both timeless and rapidly changing. It will stretch you, and sometimes the work will feel impossibly heavy. But you are not alone — the weight you carry reflects how much this work matters.
Hold fast to the belief that education changes lives, while also having the courage to challenge ‘the way it’s always been’ and embrace new possibilities. Preserve what is transformative, but bravely change what no longer serves students.
Keep students at the center — not as statistics, but as whole humans with stories, dreams, and futures worth fighting for.”
Claire Brady | President, Glass Half Full Consulting
“Higher education is about possibility. Hold fast to the belief that every learner deserves a pathway to a better future, and let that conviction guide your decisions.
The challenges are real, but so is your impact. Stay rooted in purpose, and never forget that your leadership opens doors for those who will walk through them.
Lead boldly, listen deeply, and never lose sight of the students who aren’t yet in the room—they are counting on you to make a way.”
Dr. Kimberly Lowry | Vice President, Texas Association of Community Colleges
“As you step into leadership, I would like to leave you with a few key reminders.
First, this work is not about you. It’s about the people who come to our campuses with fragile dreams. Your calling is to make space for them to find belonging and possibility.
Second, pluralism is your craft. Teach people to stay in the room. Show them how to argue well and disagree with grace. That skill will matter more than any course catalog.
Third, remember that your institution is a civic space. It’s a rehearsal for democracy. Graduates will carry what they experience on your campus into the public square.
Fourth, lead with hospitality. Be present. Listen deeply. Show courage when others shy away. Howard Thurman said it best: leadership is offering the experience of being cared for by the human spirit.
Finally, keep a watchful eye on the soul of your institution. Guard it. Nurture it. Without soul, everything else is empty.
Go forward with humility, humor, and boldness. And in the midst of it all — don’t forget to dance.
Higher education is not without its storms, and they feel especially strong right now. But these letters remind us that in every challenge, there is still purpose to be found, progress to be made, and lives to be changed.
As we step into this new year, may we hold on to more than just our to-do lists. Let’s keep telling our stories, because they remind us we’re not alone. Let’s stay connected, because community is what carries us through. And let’s be brave enough to ask for help, because none of us were meant to do this work in isolation.
Even when the work feels heavy, it is never without meaning. And even in the hardest seasons, hope has a way of showing up in our students, in our colleagues, and in the belief that the future we are building together is worth it.
In ten years, August 2035, I wonder how we will read these messages. My hope is that they will remind us not just of what we endured, but of the courage, connection, and care that carried us forward.
Here’s to holding onto hope, and to passing it forward.
About Josie
I’m Dr. Josie Ahlquist — digital engagement and leadership strategist, researcher, author, and educator. I help higher education professionals and mission-driven organizations harness the power of digital communication to lead with authenticity, build thriving online communities, and tell their stories with purpose.
Through my consulting work, I offer tailored, hands-on support in marketing and communications strategy, executive coaching, upskilling for teams, and keynote speaking. My approach is grounded in research and fueled by empathy, helping clients lead online with clarity and confidence.
You can follow my insights and interviews on my blog and podcast, with content featured by EdTech Magazine, Inside Higher Ed, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. I’m also the author of Digital Leadership in Higher Education (2020), an Amazon #1 New Release.
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Rebekah Tilley
Assistant Vice President, University of Iowa Center for Advancement
Rebekah Tilley is the assistant vice president of communication and marketing for the University of Iowa Center for Advancement (UICA). In that role she supports fundraising and alumni engagement efforts for the university, including its CASE Gold winning Iowa Magazine, and serves UICA in a variety of strategic communication efforts.
Previously she was the director of strategic communication for the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business, and the director of communication for the University of Kentucky College of Law. She is a Kentucky native and a proud alum of the University of Kentucky.
