
David Jesse
Senior Writer
David Jesse is a senior writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education, where he covers college leadership.
Prior to coming to The Chronicle, he was the higher education reporter for 12 years at the Detroit Free Press. He was a 2020-21 Spencer Education Journalism Fellowship at Columbia University recipient and the winner of the 2018 Ronald Moskowitz Prize for best education beat reporting from the Education Writers Association.
He’s reported extensively on issues around small liberal arts colleges; sexual assault on campus; and dysfunctional boards and presidents.
He lives just outside Ann Arbor, Mich.
Contact David at David.Jesse@chronicle.com or follow him on Twitter: @reporterdavidj
Stories by this Author
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Centralized Control
With Their Chancellor Likely Leaving, Chapel Hill Insiders Fear a New Leader Has Already Been Chosen
In North Carolina, the system president now largely controls the selection of campus chancellors. Sources say they expect a current member of the system’s board to take over the flagship. -
'Say It Isn't So!!!!'
As a Chancellor Placed One Foot Out the Door, Pleas Filled His Inbox
Trustees, faculty, and donors made personal appeals to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill leader after news broke that he was a finalist for the Michigan State University presidency. -
Out of the Frying Pan?
A President Weighs Jumping From One Controversy-Ridden University to Another
Kevin Guskiewicz, chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, might take the top job at Michigan State. Sources said he had informally agreed to leave UNC soon. -
Tight Bonds
This Small College Was Out of Options. Will Its Creditors Give It a Break?
Lake Erie College found itself staring down possible closure. “I don’t want to be another story in The Chronicle,” the president told its bondholders, pleading for relief. -
Leadership Squabble
Michigan State’s Board Is in Trouble Again. Here’s the Latest.
A week ago, a board member called for the chairwoman to resign, alleging bullying and ethical missteps. On Friday a meeting descended into bickering. -
Another Fight in East Lansing
Under Fire From All Sides, Michigan State’s Board Chair Decries ‘Old-Style Political Hit Job’
State politics and enduring wounds from past scandals lurk beneath a sudden effort to unseat Rema Vassar. -
How It's Going
A Very Public Presidency’s Reality Check
Santa Ono’s casual accessibility won him the job at the University of Michigan. His first year challenged that approach. -
An Uncertain Future
Federal Scrutiny and Plunging Revenue Plague a Private College’s Attempt at a Turnaround
Baker College once was Michigan’s largest private nonprofit college, built on questionable promises of employment and cost. But now it faces a fresh host of financial and reputational problems. -
A stunning and swift fall
Michigan State Plans to Fire Its Football Coach After Fallout Over Harassment Allegations
The university said Mel Tucker’s conduct had brought “public disrespect” to the institution. -
'You Should Have Known'
At Michigan State, a New Scandal Raises an Old Question: Why Does This Keep Happening?
The suspension of the football coach, amid accusations that he sexually harassed an activist, suggests that the culture change promised by leaders after the Nassar failure has not come to pass.