Trusted Voices

The hosts of Trusted Voices and Campus Docket join forces to break down the Trump administration’s higher education compact and its legal, political, and governance implications for colleges and universities navigating unprecedented federal oversight.

In this episode of Trusted Voices, hosts Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot explore the legal and political pressures reshaping higher education. From UNC’s FOIA lawsuit to Title IX and Title VI compliance, they examine how institutions can balance transparency, student equity, and governance. The hosts also spotlight challenges international athletes face in the NIL era and reflect on public perception of higher ed.

Saint Francis University stunned many in higher ed by announcing its move from Division I to Division III athletics. In this episode of Trusted Voices, Teresa Valerio Parrot and guest host Michael Harris, SMU dean ad interim, sit down with Saint Francis President Fr. Malachi Van Tassell to unpack that momentous decision. From transfer portals to NIL, accreditation to governance, the discussion goes beyond athletics to reveal how institutions can stay true to their mission while navigating change. Saint Francis University is a former client of TVP Communications.

In the Trusted Voices season 4 premiere, Erin and Teresa evaluate Gallup’s reassessment of public trust, discuss trending news, and promise to continue their focus on industry trends and provide perspective beyond the intersection of the Trump administration and higher ed.

In their Season 3 finale, Trusted Voices co-hosts Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot reflect on a year of bold conversations, policy pitfalls, and personal growth. From a heartfelt encounter with Ruth Simmons to sobering insights on student aid and political pressure, this episode is a reminder that in higher ed, leadership means speaking up—even when it’s risky.

Ted Mitchell, President of the American Council on Education, shares his insights on the current turmoil in higher education. He tackles serious issues like funding cuts, misinformation, and policy uncertainty. Mitchell emphasizes the crucial role of community colleges and regional campuses often overlooked in the broader conversation. He discusses the need for grassroots advocacy and fosters communication between educational institutions and lawmakers. The conversation balances the urgent challenges with a hopeful perspective on collaboration and reform.

Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot unpack Harvard’s bold defiance of the Trump administration, what it means for international students, and why higher ed leaders must decide when to fight, when to stay quiet, and how to lead with intention in the court of public opinion.

Staying silent isn’t always the safest choice. Hosts Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot sit down with Holden Thorp to discuss why higher ed leaders must embrace transparency, communicate with the public, and advocate for the value of academia. Thorp also reflects on his own leadership journey, including his decision to share his autism diagnosis.

Erin Hennessy and Teresa Valerio Parrot assess the impact of NIH funding cuts on local communities and brace for the unknown future of the Department of Education as the Trump administration continues to target higher education.

Teresa Valerio Parrot and Erin Hennessy invite Inside Higher Ed’s Sara Custer to reflect on her first year as editor-in-chief, exploring the evolving media landscape, the challenges facing higher education and the importance of fostering honest, impactful conversations between journalists and institutional leaders.