This is the second brief in HCM’s new policy series examining pressing issues in state funding formulas and their impact on value, adequacy, and equity.  This series provides frameworks, research, and case studies examining how the role of state funding can advance state priorities and equitable student outcomes while reflecting states’ unique contexts.  

Emergency Aid, Enduring Impact: Strengthening Families, Community and the Economy through Support for Student Parents is a three-part policy brief series developed by HCM Strategists in collaboration with national experts to support Scholarship America’s National Emergency Scholarship Fund for Student Parents. The series provides a roadmap for institutions and policymakers to better support student parents—ensuring they stay enrolled, complete their education, and strengthen their families, communities, and our nation’s workforce.

HCM welcomes Madeline Price as our new Director of State Policy & Strategy.

HCM welcomes two new Senior Affiliates: Dr. Autumn Blanchard and John Fischer.

HCM CEO and Founding Partner Kristin Hultquist participated as a featured panelists in Trellis Strategies’ Affordability webinar.

HCM welcomes our newest policy Fellow, Gus Gluek!

HCM welcomes our newest policy Fellow, Rachel Rivas!

With our latest report, we’re reflecting on 25 years of Lumina Foundation’s transformative leadership and meaningful impact in state policy and higher education reform.

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Dr. Kelley Ditzel to Senior Adviser at HCM Strategists. Since joining us as a consultant and Senior Affiliate, she has strengthened our firm’s ability to serve clients through her deep commitment to increasing opportunity and degree completion among underserved populations, including students of color, those from rural communities, and others facing systemic barriers to higher education.

The release of the third policy paper in the ongoing partnership between HCM and CHEPP.

Announcing the launch of the Rural Talent Development and Attraction Lab (Rural Talent Lab), a multi-year initiative led by Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges (ARRC) in collaboration with HCM Strategists (HCM) and the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO).

Read the latest issue brief of the Manhattan Institute, authored by HCM Strategists.

New Publication: Investing in Value: Return on Investment and Workforce Success in State Postsecondary Funding. This is the first brief in HCM’s new policy series examining pressing issues in state funding formulas including value, adequacy, and equity.  This series will provide frameworks, research, and case studies examining how state funding formulas can advance state priorities and equitable student outcomes while reflecting states’ unique contexts.  

Kristin Hultquist, CEO and Founding Partner of HCM Strategists, joins leading experts to explore the vital role of higher education boards in fostering institutional autonomy, building trust, and navigating governance challenges. Read more about their insights and recommendations for impactful leadership in higher education.

Our Partner Martha Snyder and Director Jessica Collis argue in our latest Insights Blog that it’s time for a transformation of our higher education system that leans into value, affordability, supports, and accountability to restore the public trust. Click to learn more.

HCM welcomes our newest policy Fellow, Paula Nazario!

At SXSW EDU 2025, HCM Strategists’ Director of Advocacy & Change Management, Jessica Collis, will join experts in a crucial discussion on how to measure and communicate the return on investment (ROI) of higher education. Moderated by Jennifer Dirmeyer from the Postsecondary Commission (PSC), the session will explore data insights, communication strategies, and policy connections to help students and families make informed decisions about their educational pathways.

At the Grantmakers for Education 2024 Annual Conference, HCM Strategists led a powerful session on the challenges facing Black learners in higher education. The panel introduced the LEVEL UP & Get REAL Policy Playbook, a comprehensive guide designed to drive institutional and policy change, offering actionable strategies for supporting Black learner excellence. Explore the insights shared by leaders and discover how these efforts are shaping the future of equitable education.

On September 12, the National LEVEL UP Webinar brought together a distinguished panel of experts to address systemic barriers to Black enrollment and retention in higher education. Moderated by Dr. Keith Curry, the discussion highlighted innovative strategies for improving outcomes for Black learners. We extend our gratitude to the panelists and co-sponsors, including Equity Avengers and Gallup, for their invaluable contributions to this important conversation. If you missed it, the full webinar is available for replay.

New Transfer report from HCM and the Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice (CHEPP)