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Eric Kelderman

Eric Kelderman

Senior Writer

What I Cover

During my time at The Chronicle, I’ve had the opportunity to write about nearly every aspect of college administration, with a goal of bringing clarity to complex topics such as accreditation, athletics, finance, legal affairs, leadership, and state policy.

My focus in recent years has been on the college presidency, with articles about the challenges campus executives face — how they can succeed and how they can stumble. I also contributed to our package on the public perception of higher education.

My Background

Before The Chronicle, I was a staff reporter at Stateline.org, an online news organization that covers trends in state policy and politics. My career in journalism began at The Gazette, a weekly paper, where I wrote about the public-school system in Montgomery County, Md., and the city of Rockville, Md.

I have a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland at College Park, but being a reporter is my second career. I have a bachelor’s degree in music from Luther College, in Decorah, Iowa, where I studied voice, trombone, composition, and conducting. I also have a master’s degree in music theory and composition from the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis.

If you want to talk to me about something besides higher education or music, I’m a big baseball fan.

Connect

The easiest way to reach me is email: eric.kelderman@chronicle.com. For encrypted messaging, you can reach me on Signal at ekelderman.88.

For social media, you can follow or connect with me on: LinkedIn, Bluesky, and Twitter.

You can also call or leave a voice message at my desk phone: 202-466-1017.

Recent Stories

Accreditation
By Eric Kelderman May 21, 2025
The WASC Senior College and University Commission is rethinking the accountability measures it uses to ensure that colleges serve students from diverse populations.
Creeping concerns
By Eric Kelderman May 20, 2025
Even college leaders outside the immediate political fray say they’re constantly responding to policy changes and campus fears.
Law & Policy
By Eric Kelderman May 2, 2025
However it’s settled, the dispute will have profound implications for the institution — and higher ed as a whole. Here are the arguments to watch for.
Oversight Overhaul
By Eric Kelderman May 1, 2025
The department says it will no longer “micromanage” institutions’ choice of an agency — and it will seek to let new accreditors enter the marketplace.
Accreditation
By Eric Kelderman April 23, 2025
The order, signed Wednesday, also warns that the administration will seek to remove accreditors’ federal recognition should they fail to adhere to its aims.
Tax Threat
By Eric Kelderman April 17, 2025
The Internal Revenue Service is considering whether Harvard University violated bans on engaging in political activity. Experts weigh in on the implications.
Walking a Fine Line
By Eric Kelderman April 10, 2025
With President Trump expected to take aim at accreditation, one group pondered how to adapt at its annual meeting this week.
'This Is Political Theater"
By Eric Kelderman March 20, 2025
But Thursday’s order also calls for continuing most of the department’s core functions, like financial aid and civil-rights enforcement. Congress would have to vote on an actual shutdown.
Swinging for the Fences
By Eric Kelderman March 19, 2025
Many small colleges have invested in sports to boost enrollment. What happens when it doesn’t work?
Deep Cuts
By Eric Kelderman March 11, 2025
Tuesday’s announcement, affecting around 1,300 staff, is the next step in the Trump administration’s attempt to dramatically shrink the federal role in education.