How one private college is forging a path forward amid political uncertainty

Mission-driven universities turn to strategic storytelling to strengthen donor ties and protect their values.
Mission-driven institutions like HBCUs, religious universities, and women’s colleges such as Mount Holyoke must navigate a political tightrope. Their values have historically inspired loyalty, but now, saying the wrong thing can alienate donors.
“Higher education has a PR problem,” said Kassandra Jolley, vice president for college relations at Mount Holyoke, one of the