Our History

 

Inside Higher Ed was founded in 2004 by three executives with decades of expertise in higher education journalism and recruitment, who believed that higher education was evolving quickly and radically and that the time was right for new models of providing information and career services for professionals in academia.

These founders conceived of Inside Higher Ed with a few underlying principles:

Excellence. We believe deeply in the many missions of colleges and universities: shaping minds, training workers and engaging in discovery. To carry out those missions, the people who work in higher education need the best news and information possible about their professional world. By “best,” we mean, above all, accurate, thorough and reliable. We also care about history, context and nuance -- one of the reasons we love being part of higher education is that the toughest issues here aren’t simple. But that doesn’t mean that you’ll necessarily like everything we publish on this site: we take our watchdog role seriously and will do plenty of hard-hitting investigative reporting, sparing no sacred cows. And just because the information is authoritative doesn’t mean it has to be bland or boring: we want you to have a little fun when you visit Inside Higher Ed, which is why you’ll find humor columns amid our breaking news, incisive commentary and freewheeling blogs.

Accessibility. You don’t need a large expense account anymore to get the best news, information and career services. At Inside Higher Ed, we’ve significantly lowered barriers based on cost. Much of our content is free -- so most everyone can access the important information daily. Job seekers, too, can use virtually all of our services without paying a dime. And employers will find a comprehensive suite of job services at prices that every institution can afford. For those higher professionals who need the next level of resources, we offer a membership program at a relatively modest fee. In every way, this is a site for everyone in higher education.

Community. If we’re doing our jobs well, everyone who works in or cares about higher education should feel, every day, that this site is produced for them. This is a gathering place for all of the many constituents and diverse institutions that make up the rich web of higher education. At Inside Higher Ed, you’ll find no pecking orders or second-class citizens. We invite you -- no, actively encourage you -- to add your views to our mix. Submit a letter to the editor. Send article ideas or tips to our staff members. If you have a computer or phone (or heck, a piece of paper and a stamp), you’ve got a voice here.

In 2022, Times Higher Education (THE) acquired Inside Higher Ed. THE is the world’s most authoritative source of data, analysis and information on higher education, with five decades of experience dedicated to the field. THE is well known for publishing the World University Rankings since 2004 and, more recently, providing data, insight and consultancy services using the extensive data points they collect from universities globally. The future looks bright through this incredible new partnership.

Tips, questions, suggestions, and feedback are not only welcome, but encouraged. Drop us a line at info@insidehighered.com. We’re glad you’re here, and hope you’ll stay awhile (and come back soon).

 

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