At the American Council on Education annual meeting, Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent delivered a forceful address demanding sweeping changes across higher education. Kent accused institutions of resisting accountability while accepting federal funds and reiterated plans to overhaul accreditation, increase civil‑rights probes, and curtail campus DEI policies. He said the department will prioritize workforce alignment and measurable student outcomes. Sector leaders at ACE pushed back, arguing the administration’s rapid reform agenda risks destabilizing institutions already facing enrollment and financial pressures. Members raised concerns about rushed regulatory changes and the practical burdens of compliance. The exchange signals intensifying federal oversight of academic governance and financial stewardship that university boards and provosts must now factor into strategic planning.