Texas is a trendsetter on education politics and policy.

We want to talk about that. In 2025 we saw the Trump administration get to work applying unprecedented political, financial, and regulatory pressure on America’s universities and colleges. But that’s not new for the Lone Star state, where these systems are already under the watchful eye of lawmakers and power players.

The Texas Higher Ed Forum is a free virtual webinar series for people who care about higher education. Through a series of conversations with our reporters, politicos and members of various Texas institutions, we will explore issues related to workforce, academic freedom, and more.

We’ll dive into how these systems and institutions impact local communities. Join us in this unique convening space that connects higher ed leaders and practitioners, community members, and reporters from our partner newsrooms in the state.

Who We Are

Open Campus is a nonprofit news organization that has built the nation’s leading collaborative network of higher education reporters. We currently partner with 18 local newsrooms, supporting dedicated higher-ed beat reporters in communities. We have four newsrooms in the state (the Texas Tribune, Fort Worth Report, San Antonio Report and El Paso Matters).

Watch

Our first event took place in November 2025. Speakers had a nuanced conversation about Senate Bill 37, which gives the Texas State University System the ability to abolish faculty senates and review curriculum. While professors say they’re being stripped of their voices, proponents suggest this is legislation Texans want that will lead to more valuable degrees.

Join the conversation

You can sign up for our next event here.

Bridging College to Career Paths | Jan. 29, 2026 at 12CT/1ET

Community colleges play a unique role in Texas’ workforce. Join us for a discussion about the evolving value of a college degree in today’s labor market and how these institutions step up to meet the changing needs of students and employers. Attendees will gain insight into the different ways community colleges are harnessing public-private partnerships that are reshaping access to training, strengthening local talent pipelines, and creating direct pathways from classroom learning to in-demand careers. The conversation will showcase practical strategies community colleges are implementing — from industry-aligned programs and initiatives to collaborative models that reduce barriers for learners and support long-term economic mobility. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of what’s working, what barriers these institutions face, and how employers can work with colleges to build career pathways that prepare Texans for success in a rapidly shifting workforce landscape.

Register here.