The Launch of 'College: Proud Sponsor of America at its Best'

The 'College: Proud Sponsor of America at its Best' campaign burst onto the national stage on October 31, 2025, marking a bold collective effort by higher education advocates to reclaim the narrative around the value of colleges and universities in the United States. Created pro bono by the marketing agency BVK in partnership with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), this public service initiative deliberately avoids promoting any single institution. Instead, it positions higher education as a vital public good that benefits every American, regardless of whether they hold a degree.

At a time when public confidence in higher education has waned amid debates over costs, outcomes, and cultural issues, the campaign seeks to highlight tangible contributions to society—from economic growth and workforce development to national security and public health. Its tagline, 'Proud sponsor of America at its best,' underscores a unified message: colleges fuel the progress that touches all lives.

Why Now? A Crisis in Public Perception

Recent polls paint a sobering picture of Americans' views on higher education. A Pew Research Center survey from October 2025 found that 70% believe the U.S. higher education system is headed in the wrong direction, up from 56% previously. Gallup's July 2025 data showed confidence at 42%, a slight rebound from 36% but still far below decade highs. Republicans express particularly low trust, with only 35% confident, compared to 69% of Democrats.

This skepticism correlates with enrollment declines: high school graduates entering college dropped from 70% in 2016 to 61% in 2023. Political rhetoric questioning college value, coupled with funding cuts and policy shifts under the second Trump administration, has intensified the challenge. The campaign responds by targeting adults aged 35-64, including conservatives and rural residents, groups often most skeptical.

Crafting a New Narrative: Strategy and Creative Choices

BVK's Tamalyn Powell, senior vice president for higher education, led the creative process after years of polling data revealed eroding support. 'Higher ed may not be for everybody... but the benefits are for everybody,' she noted. The ads eschew traditional imagery—no students, campuses, logos, or mascots—to focus on outcomes.

• A welder embodies 'Proud sponsor of the future titans of industry.'
• A masked nurse cradles an infant: 'Proud sponsor of goodbye nursing shortage.'
• An elderly couple strolls: 'Proud sponsor of a better life for everyone.'

A 60-second spot warns 'America’s future is under attack' before showcasing higher ed solutions via cityscapes, labs, and classrooms. This approach tested well: BVK data from over 2,000 viewers showed significant perception shifts, especially among skeptics.

Endorsements and Growing Coalition

The campaign has garnered swift support from major players. The American Council on Education (ACE) endorsed it early, linking it to their 'Higher Ed Builds America' effort. Others include the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO), Association of Governing Boards (AGB), Council of Independent Colleges, and American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). CASE's COO Terry Flannery praised its potential, noting past efforts lacked funding.Explore higher ed leadership roles driving these initiatives.

The Inter-University Council of Ohio plans a statewide rollout this summer, adapting the message locally.

Funding the Fight: Challenges Ahead

Unlike institution-funded recruitment ads, this relies on third-party donors—individuals, corporations, foundations—to maintain credibility. CASE is actively fundraising, emphasizing 'third-party advocates' to amplify reach. Powell stresses the urgency: 'Now is the moment to set the narrative.' Without substantial media buys, impact remains limited, echoing failed prior campaigns.

For more on career opportunities in higher ed advancement, check higher ed career advice.

Early Impact and Testing Results

Preliminary BVK testing revealed strong resonance. Viewers' views improved markedly, with conservatives and rural residents showing the biggest gains. CASE sessions at 2026 conferences, like District I-II, feature BVK leaders sharing how institutions can adopt the toolkit—videos, social assets, print—for unified messaging.

This data-driven approach contrasts with anecdotal past efforts, positioning the campaign for measurable change.

Broader Context: Attacks and Enrollment Pressures

Higher ed faces multifaceted threats: federal research cuts, diversity crackdowns, international student restrictions, and state bans on tenure or DEI. Enrollment in creative arts has collapsed, while overall college-going rates lag. Google trends for 'college value' and 'ROI' surge amid stories of graduates in low-wage jobs.

The campaign counters by emphasizing collective benefits, like research driving innovation (e.g., Johns Hopkins' 'Research Saves Lives,' seen 4M times) and alumni testimonials via AASCU.Learn more at the official campaign site.

Complementary Efforts Across Institutions

Others amplify the message: Big Ten Academic Alliance ads tout medicine and discoveries; Purdue's spots show career transformations; Wesleyan leaders urge vocal defense. Over 400 presidents signed a civil discourse letter, and associations align on value messaging. Marketing budgets hit $4M annually per large institutions, shifting to public persuasion.

• Proactive surveys on graduate outcomes.
• Google ads countering skepticism.
• NFL sponsorships for visibility.

Rate professors and share experiences at Rate My Professor.

State and Regional Adaptations

Ohio's council leads with a summer 2026 statewide push, tailoring national assets locally. This model could spread, uniting public systems against shared threats like funding shortfalls. As demographic cliffs loom, such coalitions are crucial for enrollment stabilization.

Future Outlook: Sustaining Momentum

Success hinges on funding and unity. With polls showing modest confidence upticks, sustained ads could reverse trends. Experts like ACE's Nick Anderson call for messaging paired with reforms. Institutions are urged to innovate—shorter degrees, better outcomes—while campaigns rebuild trust.

Stakeholders anticipate broader adoption, potentially influencing policy amid ongoing debates. For professionals, this signals opportunities in advocacy and marketing roles. Browse faculty positions or admin jobs advancing higher ed.

Implications for Higher Education Stakeholders

Faculty, administrators, and leaders can leverage the toolkit for local efforts, fostering internal buy-in. Students and parents gain reassurance of college's societal ROI. Policymakers see evidence of economic multipliers: each college graduate adds $1M+ to lifetime earnings, boosting GDP.

The campaign exemplifies proactive branding, essential as AI, demographics, and politics reshape the sector. Explore academic CV tips for navigating this landscape.

Photo by Olivia Anne Snyder on Unsplash

Conclusion: A United Front for Higher Ed's Future

'College: Proud Sponsor of America at its Best' is more than ads—it's a rallying cry. By focusing on universal benefits, it bridges divides, urging action now. Visit Rate My Professor, search higher ed jobs, or get career advice. Share your story—higher ed builds America.