Five hopeful signs college students are seeking truth once more

Anti-Israel agitators construct an encampment on Columbia University’s campus in New York City on Monday, April 22, 2024.(Peter Gerber)

2.Christian and conservative voices pushed back on speech restrictions and won

Free speechhad a comeback moment in 2025.From student groups gaining official recognition to legal victories across the country, the message was clear.Viewpoint discrimination will not be tolerated.For too long, Christian and conservative students were told to stay silent.This year, many chose to speak with boldness and grace.And the courts began backing them up. 

3.The fall of elite college credibility opened new doors

Scandals at top-tier institutions, like Harvard, did more than make headlines.They exposed a deeper crisis of trust and leadership.As families watched these schools stumble, many began looking elsewhere for wisdom, integrity and formation.That shift matters.It means the era of blind prestige may finally be giving way to a new era of purpose-driven education. 

4.Parents are reclaiming their voice in education

Across the country, parents stepped in with renewed focus and resolve.Whether speaking out at school board meetings or reevaluating where their children should attend college, families pushed back against ideological extremes.They are asking better questions, looking for schools that reflect their values and taking ownership of the academic formation of the next generation.

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5.Public trust in higher education is cracking, and that is a good thing

This year, public trust in higher education hit historic lows.That might sound like bad news, but it actually reveals something hopeful.People are not giving up on education.They are giving up on broken systems.They are hungry for models that prioritize truth, character and community over bureaucracy and activism.That creates space for bold, mission-driven universities to lead. 

As president of Southeastern University, I saw these changes take root firsthand.We continue to partner with churches, families and communities to offer a model of higher education that is accessible, formative and grounded inbiblical truth.Our students are not being trained to escape the world.They are being equipped to lead within it.

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Free speech had a comeback moment in 2025.From student groups gaining official recognition to legal victories across the country, the message was clear.Viewpoint discrimination will not be tolerated.

There is still work to do.But there is also reason to hope.This year showed us that a better future for higher education is not only possible.It has already begun. 

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As we celebrate Christmas and look toward a new year, let us be reminded that light shines brightest in darkness.Let us build institutions that reflect that truth.These must be places where courage is cultivated, faith is lived out and hope is more than a feeling.It is the foundation. 

Dr.Kent Ingle presently serves as the President of Southeastern University (SEU) located in Lakeland, Florida.Southeastern University can be found online at seu.edu and their prayer community can be found on pray.com.