As doubts grow across the United States about the value of higher education, a public conversation in North Texas aims to unpack what a college degree really means today — for students, families, and the job market.

On June 30, 2026, The Dallas Morning News will host a panel discussion at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, focusing on the state of higher education in Texas and beyond.

The event will take place at the Hughes-Trigg Student Center on SMU’s campus, alongside a multi-day pop-up newsroom designed to bring journalists closer to the community.

Growing Debate Over the Value of a Degree

Across the country, public confidence in universities has been steadily shifting. While research continues to show that a college degree often leads to higher lifetime earnings and expanded career opportunities, skepticism about higher education is rising.

According to surveys from Gallup and the Lumina Foundation, confidence in higher education among Americans dropped significantly in recent years. In 2024, only about 36% of respondents reported strong confidence in colleges and universities, down from 57% in 2015, though recent data shows a slight rebound.

A separate report commissioned by Yale University points to several reasons behind declining trust, including rising tuition costs, concerns about admissions fairness, and debates over free speech on campus.

Experts to Discuss Challenges Facing Universities

The upcoming SMU panel will bring together education leaders and journalists to examine these issues in depth.

Milla Surjadi, who covers higher education for The Dallas Morning News, will lead the discussion with Michael Harris. The conversation will focus on key questions shaping public debate, including whether a college degree remains a reliable path to economic mobility and how universities can rebuild public trust.

According to The Dallas Morning News managing editor Amy Hollyfield, the goal is to create space for community dialogue around issues that affect students, parents, and educators across North Texas.

Pop-Up Newsroom Comes to SMU Campus

Alongside the panel, The Dallas Morning News will set up a pop-up newsroom at SMU from June 29 to July 1, running daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The initiative marks the first time the newsroom has been hosted on the SMU campus. Editors say the goal is to engage directly with readers in the Highland Park and University Park area while covering education issues more closely.

The program reflects a broader effort by The Dallas Morning News to bring journalism into local communities through in-person reporting spaces, similar to previous pop-ups held in South and southern Dallas.

Event Details

• Panel Discussion: June 30, 2026
• Time: 6:00–7:15 p.m. (check-in begins at 5:30 p.m.)
• Location: Hughes-Trigg Student Center, SMU, Dallas
• Pop-Up Newsroom: June 29–July 1 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.)

Registration is available through an online RSVP form and QR code provided by the organizers.

Focus on the Future of Education in North Texas

As universities face shifting public perceptions, the SMU event aims to bring together educators, journalists, and community members to discuss what higher education should look like in the coming years — and whether it still delivers on its promise.

For North Texas, where multiple major universities serve a large student population, the conversation is expected to draw strong local interest and engagement.