Why the Future of Higher Education Depends on the K–12 Pipeline

Only a fraction of high school graduates meet key college readiness benchmarks. Gordon Gee and Liz Simonhoff Perez examine what that means for higher education—and why universities should be more involved in preparing students for success.

August 20, 2026

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Ted Mitchell
Ted Mitchell is the president of the American Council on Education.

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Devorah Lieberman
Devorah Lieberman is a senior advisor with the President’s Office at the American Council on Education and president emerita of the University of La Verne.

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Hollie M. Chessman
Hollie M. Chessman is director and principle program officer for the Education Futures Lab at the American Council on Education.

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