New AIC President Focuses on Resilience Amid Enrollment Challenges
SPRINGFIELD — Nicolle Cestero has become the first female president of American International College (AIC), aiming to boost enrollment while navigating political sensitivities surrounding the Trump administration. AIC, a small private institution with limited funds, must tread carefully, especially concerning topics like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which Trump has criticized and threatened to target.
In an interview, Cestero expressed the college’s need to remain inconspicuous to avoid federal scrutiny, stating, “We aren’t in a position to fight the federal government.” With declining enrollment trends affecting many colleges due to fewer high school graduates and a workforce shift towards trades, Cestero is directing faculty to modernize courses to attract both younger and adult learners.
AIC also grapples with financial challenges, as 96% of undergraduates receive aid, necessitating federal support to sustain operations. Cestero’s cautious approach to marketing excludes direct mentions of DEI, focusing instead on AIC’s offerings and community impact. As the climate for higher education remains uncertain, Cestero emphasizes resilience in maintaining the institution’s mission while adapting to the evolving landscape of higher education.
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