Episode
Pulse Check: The Reputation Rethink — Pt. 3
- Podcast
- Higher Ed Pulse
- Published
- Feb 26, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1847
- Processing state
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Summary
In this episode of Pulse Check: The Reputation Rethink, we turn to two areas where public skepticism about higher education becomes more pronounced: money and local community impact. Ologie’s national study revealed that most people believe colleges and universities provide value to society, but when the conversation shifts to how institutions are funded and how they show up in their communities, confidence begins to waver. Host Dayana Kibilds is joined by Doug Edwards, Chief Strategy Officer at Ologie, and Dr. Cassie Dutton, Research Director at Ologie, to unpack what the data tells us. Only 39% of respondents believe taxpayer dollars are being allocated to the areas they care most about. At the same time, only about half say they see meaningful benefits from their local colleges and universities. Together, they explore where that skepticism comes from, what people actually want to see prioritized, and how institutions can respond in ways that feel clear, visible, and grounded in everyday life. This episode is about understanding the gap between value and visibility, and what it would take to close it.