As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, it’s worth remembering that American higher education predates the nation itself and has played a vital role in its formation, growth, and prosperity—from the founding of Harvard University in 1636 to the education of many of our nation’s founders.
From June 6 (National Higher Education Day) through Independence Day, the Proud Sponsor LinkedIn channel will highlight the many ways colleges and universities have contributed to the nation’s progress over the past 250 years.
What do you think are higher education’s most important contributions to our country? We’d love to hear your ideas as we plan the series. Drop us a note via our online contact form today.
National Support Coalition Expands
The coalition of organizations committed to elevating the public understanding of higher education’s value to the nation continues to grow. In February, we welcomed the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) as endorsers of our efforts, sending a powerful signal that institutions of all types—public and private, two-year and four-year, religious and non-affiliated—share a common interest in telling a fuller, more accurate story about higher education’s role in advancing the nation.
CIC represents independent, nonprofit colleges and universities known for their commitment to undergraduate education and student success, while AASCU represents regional public universities that educate millions of students and play a critical role in local workforce development and economic growth. Together, their participation underscores the broad, cross-sector support behind the campaign.
Since the announcement in February, momentum has continued with additional endorsements from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC), the University of Indiana Center for Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL), and the Council of Alumni Association Executives (CAAE), further reflecting the campaign’s growing cross-sector support.
Customized State Impact Campaigns
As our national campaign continues its focus on delivering a unifying message for institutions of all sizes, we’re also partnering with state and regional systems to tell the same story of impact with a powerful local focus. Each effort aligns with the national messaging while highlighting contributions that resonate with regional elected officials, business leaders, and citizens.
We’re excited to launch the first of these efforts this summer with the Inter‑University Council of Ohio, showcasing the impact of Ohio’s 14 public universities through a long-form anthem video and six short spots that align system achievements with the campaign’s national messaging pillars.
We’re also in discussions with several other state systems about similar localized campaigns. By spotlighting trusted businesses, hometown communities, and recognizable universities, Proud Sponsor State Impact campaigns build on the national initiative in ways that truly resonate.
Interested in bringing the Proud Sponsor story to your state or system? Email Greg Summers at BVK to start the conversation or learn more on our website.
Media Minutes
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO (Podcast): Proud Sponsor’s Tam Powell joined podcast host and longtime higher ed marketing leader, author, expert and consultant Jaime Hunt for a deep dive into how the campaign is tackling rising skepticism head-on through its non-partisan approach designed to counter declining trust in higher ed and drive collective impact. Listen to the Episode
The Hechinger Report(Article): Known for its in-depth coverage of innovation and inequality in the sector, The Hechinger Report lauds the Proud Sponsor campaign as a central example of how higher education is finally pushing back against years of declining public confidence and political attacks. Read the Full Article
Office Hours with John Gardner (Podcast): We recently sat down with John Gardner to discuss higher education’s vital role in shaping the nation’s past and future. The conversation explored how colleges and universities prepare students for careers while also helping graduates become engaged citizens who participate in democracy and civil discourse. Listen to the Episode
Inside Higher Ed (Article): This industry news stalwart recently highlighted the growing support for and importance of the Proud Sponsor initiative. The feature included interviews with Terry Flannery of Council for Advancement and Support of Education, along with insights from higher education leaders outside the campaign. The article underscores how Proud Sponsor serves as a broad advocacy effort designed to reach audiences campuses don’t typically engage.
The Proud Sponsor team is coming to a higher ed conference near you—keep an eye out for us over the next few months.
CASE District IV Annual Conference: Apr. 19-21 Dallas, TX
CASE District V & VI Annual Conference: Apr. 27-29 Indianapolis, IN
Before You Go…
Have you downloaded your FREE Proud Sponsor toolkit yet? It’s your turnkey resource for sharing this important message across digital channels. The toolkit includes ready-to-use social media content and digital ads you can share at no cost.
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