Panel Highlights Local Responses to National Concerns

Leaders from several North Texas institutions gathered recently to examine the erosion of public confidence in higher education. The discussion, hosted by The Dallas Morning News at Southern Methodist University, brought together presidents, deans, professors, and program directors focused on practical steps institutions can take amid widespread skepticism about costs, outcomes, and relevance.

Warren von Eschenbach, president of the University of North Texas at Dallas, emphasized listening to community voices. Michael Harris, dean of SMU’s Simmons School of Education and Human Development, stressed transparency around value and return on investment. Incoming UT Dallas provost Marc Christensen highlighted innovation in teaching and research as pathways forward. Nakia Douglas, with deep experience in pre-collegiate and TRIO programs, and Sondra Barringer, an associate professor at SMU, added perspectives on access and equity.

Understanding the Broader Decline in Confidence

Public trust in colleges and universities has fallen sharply over the past decade. Surveys show that only about 42 percent of Americans express a great deal or quite a lot of confidence, a rebound from recent lows but still far below levels seen in 2015. Concerns center on rising tuition, uncertain job outcomes, and perceptions of ideological bias on campuses.

These national trends directly affect enrollment decisions, state funding priorities, and employer partnerships. In Texas, where public universities play a central role in workforce development, the stakes are especially high for regional economies in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Affordability and Perceived Value Take Center Stage

Panelists repeatedly returned to the question of whether a degree delivers tangible benefits that justify its cost. Many families now weigh alternatives such as apprenticeships, community college pathways, and industry certifications more carefully than in previous generations.

Leaders noted that North Texas institutions have expanded need-based aid, dual-credit programs, and workforce-aligned degrees in fields like data analytics and healthcare. UNT Dallas has explored tuition-free initiatives for qualifying students, aiming to demonstrate clear pathways from enrollment to employment.

Artificial Intelligence as Both Opportunity and Challenge

The rapid rise of generative AI tools prompted lively debate. Participants viewed AI as a tool for personalized learning and administrative efficiency while cautioning against over-reliance that could diminish critical thinking skills.

SMU and UT Dallas representatives described new courses integrating AI ethics and applications across disciplines. They argued that preparing graduates to use these technologies responsibly could help rebuild credibility with employers and parents who question whether traditional curricula remain relevant.

Photo by Nils Huenerfuerst on Unsplash

Local Initiatives Aimed at Rebuilding Credibility

North Texas campuses are experimenting with several concrete measures. These include expanded community advisory boards, regular public reporting on graduation rates and earnings outcomes, and partnerships with local school districts to improve college readiness.

Panelists described efforts to increase faculty and staff visibility at community events and to invite employers into curriculum design. Such steps aim to shift the narrative from institutions operating in isolation to partners deeply embedded in regional success.

Perspectives from Students, Families, and Employers

While the panel focused on institutional leadership, attendees and speakers acknowledged the views of other stakeholders. Parents often cite sticker shock and stories of underemployment. Employers seek clearer signals that graduates possess both technical skills and workplace readiness.

Former TRIO director Nakia Douglas highlighted how first-generation and low-income students in North Texas frequently encounter barriers that extend beyond tuition, including advising gaps and limited internship access. Addressing these issues, she noted, is essential for restoring faith among communities that have historically viewed higher education as a ladder of opportunity.

Implications for Enrollment and Funding in North Texas

Declining trust can translate into softer application numbers and tighter state budgets. Texas public universities rely heavily on legislative appropriations, which in turn reflect constituent sentiment. Institutions that demonstrate measurable improvements in affordability and outcomes may fare better in future funding cycles.

Regional collaboration among UNT Dallas, UT Dallas, SMU, and community colleges could strengthen the case for sustained investment by showcasing collective impact on the metroplex workforce.

Actionable Steps Proposed by Panelists

• Publish transparent, accessible data on cost of attendance, financial aid, and post-graduation earnings.
• Expand stackable credentials that allow students to build qualifications incrementally.
• Strengthen partnerships with K-12 districts to align expectations and reduce remediation needs.
• Integrate employer feedback loops into program review processes.
• Invest in faculty development around emerging technologies such as AI.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum

The July 2026 panel represents one moment in an ongoing conversation. Leaders expressed cautious optimism that targeted, visible actions can gradually shift perceptions. Success will require consistent communication, measurable results, and a willingness to adapt programs based on student and employer feedback.

North Texas institutions are well positioned to lead by example, given the region’s economic dynamism and diverse student population. By focusing on affordability, relevance, and community connection, they aim to demonstrate that higher education remains a vital engine of individual and regional advancement.