Corporate Engagement + Economic Outlook
 
In this changing economic landscape, the role of corporate partnerships in higher education is more critical than ever.
 
As state and federal funding tighten, strong industry alliances sustain not only institutional growth, but also create life-changing opportunities for students and faculty. Strategic corporate engagement is not just about fundraising - it's about building pipelines for research, student learning, and workforce development that fuel our communities.
 
I've seen firsthand how aligning corporate goals with academic strengths delivers transformative impact. When we connect businesses with emerging talent and research innovation, we build resilience and relevance for academic institutions and their students. These partnerships also strengthen alumni networks and create workforce development pathways at every stage of the learner's journey - whether at community colleges, four-year universities, or graduate programs - ensuring lasting value for graduates and employers alike.

A recent report by Quinnipiac, AACSB, Deloitte underscores this urgency — calling for stronger university-industry collaboration to address evolving workforce needs and the role alumni play in fostering these connections. It’s an important reminder: the future of education and employment is undeniably linked.

I encourage my network to explore how we can advance these partnerships to create greater impact for students, alumni, and our broader communities.

Christine Roth is NACRO Membership Committee Chair-elect and Special Project & Initiatives with RBI