Blog Content
October 30, 2026
As the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence, the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) will convene college and university leaders from across the six New England states for a two-day dialogue examining higher education's essential role in strengthening democracy, restoring public trust, expanding economic opportunity and advancing the public good.
The invitation-only event, "Higher Education at America's 250th Anniversary: Examining the Truths We Hold to Be Self-Evident — A New England Leadership Dialogue," will take place Dec. 3–4, 2026, at the David Rubenstein Treehouse at Harvard University in Boston.
The gathering will bring together presidents, chancellors, provosts, chief academic officers, trustees and national thought leaders to explore higher education's responsibilities at a pivotal moment for American democracy.
“American higher education is being challenged in multiple ways—and the “truths” about its value and contributions that most higher education leaders hold as “self-evident,” are being questioned,” said Michael K. Thomas, president and CEO of NEBHE. “Thus, the nation’s 250th birthday is an important opportunity for celebration, reflection, recommitment, and strategic action related to higher education’s roles in sustaining democracy.”
Danielle Allen, James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University, will deliver the keynote address, "The University and the Renovation of Democracy."
A nationally recognized political philosopher, democracy advocate and MacArthur Fellow, Allen directs the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation at Harvard Kennedy School and the Democratic Knowledge Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Allen's address will examine how colleges and universities can strengthen democratic institutions, advance lifelong civic learning, build digital civic infrastructure and renew Americans' commitment to constitutional democracy.
“For 250 years, colleges and universities have been among the institutions that make self-government possible — places where people learn to reason together, disagree productively, and take responsibility for addressing shared problems through institutions. At a moment when democracy is under strain, higher education can’t be a bystander. Renovating our democratic institutions is part of our job,” Allen said.
Joining the dialogue is an outstanding group of leaders and experts representing higher education, civic engagement, public policy, and workforce opportunity:
Together, participants will explore a fundamental question: How can higher education help renew our democratic institutions, strengthen civic learning, rebuild public trust, and prepare future generations for engaged citizenship?
Discussions will address civic education, economic mobility, pluralism, misinformation, institutional reform and higher education’s responsibility to prepare students for engaged citizenship.
New England and its higher education institutions were woven into the fabric of our nation’s founding—and are essential to its ongoing success, Thomas said. “The event will harness the experience and wisdom of our higher education leaders to help chart the course to maximizing its continued relevance and impact.”
The event is presented by NEBHE with support from Lumina Foundation and the Teagle Foundation, and additional contributions from the Boston Foundation and other supporters.
Participation is by invitation only.
Founded in 1955, NEBHE promotes greater education opportunities for the residents of New England. It works across the six New England states to help leaders assess, develop and implement sound education practices and policies of regional significance; to promote regional cooperation and programs that encourage the efficient use and sharing of educational resources; and to strengthen the relationship between higher education and the economic well-being and quality of life in New England.