The ongoing restructuring of higher education is transforming institutions at an unprecedented rate, with profound consequences for students, faculty, administrators, and communities. As colleges face closures, program eliminations, and financial retrenchment, the human impact of these changes remains underexamined despite its significance. Understanding the lived experiences of those directly affected offers critical insights into the social, emotional, and educational toll of institutional upheaval. These narratives not only illuminate systemic challenges but also highlight the urgent need for more compassionate and sustainable responses within the sector.

Narratives of Upheaval in Higher Education documents the personal and professional experiences of individuals who have navigated the challenges of higher education restructuring. Through firsthand accounts and critical analysis, it explores the broader implications of these institutional changes on campus communities and the future of higher education. Covering topics such as blending programs, enrollment decline, and university closings, this book is an excellent resource for faculty, staff, students, and other constituents of higher education who are interested in understanding the dynamics of interpersonal experience resulting from the current crises in higher education.

Coverage:

The many academic areas covered in this publication include, but are not limited to:

Blending Programs
Cognitive Dissonance
Cultural Shifts
Documentation in Schools
Enrollment Decline
Higher Education
Legislation
Narratives
Social Instability
Student Journalism
Teaching Careers
University Closings

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Editor/Author Biographies

Denise Simard , Ph.D., began her career as a special education teacher and is currently a Professor and Dean of the School of Education, Health, and Human Services at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. She has over two decades of experience in academia, and seeks to foster innovative academic programs, support faculty development, and build partnerships. Dr. Simard’s academic expertise focuses on inclusive practices and the preparation of professionals to meet the demands of a diverse society. Her scholarship focuses on women in leadership in higher education, mental health of college students, and the role of technology in creating curb cuts to the curriculum. She has led initiatives that strengthen the pipeline between higher education and professional fields. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, equity, and innovation. These roles have afforded her the opportunity to examine the nuances and intricacies of the “Cliffs” in higher education.

Dr. Janet Acker , Ph.D., M.Div., LCSW-R, is an educator, clinician, and administrator with over three decades of experience spanning social work, academia, and non-profit management. She is currently Associate Dean at SUNY Plattsburgh, contributing her expertise to academic success and innovation within the School of Education, Health, and Human Services. Dr. Acker’s career encompasses teaching at all levels of higher education, developing innovative social work curricula, and directing successful accreditation efforts. As an accomplished leader, Dr. Acker has directed strategic initiatives, program development, and community engagement. Her research interests include self-determination and informed consent in mental health, shared decision-making, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She has presented nationally, published in peer-reviewed journals, and reviewed academic publications. Committed to leading in service and advancing the social work profession, she brings a collaborative, equity-centered approach to education and mental health practice, drawing insight from her experience navigating the current upheaval in higher education.

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