New Hampshire’s Public Higher Education Task Force will be hosting a public comment session and is eager to gather feedback from stakeholders to identify strengths and weaknesses, as well as current and projected demands on the state’s public higher education.

“Public input is a vital component to our work. We would like to hear from as many individuals as possible to help us recognize the long-term needs of New Hampshire’s public higher education and share recommended changes that would facilitate meeting those needs,” said Stephen Appleby, chairman of the task force and Director of the New Hampshire Department of Education’s Division of Educator Support and Higher Education.

The public comment session will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. on Feb. 23 at the New Hampshire Department of Education’s event center, 25 Hall St. in Concord.

The Public Higher Education Task Force was formed to investigate the strategic alignment of the Community College System of New Hampshire, the University System of New Hampshire and the state’s anticipated needs for how post-secondary education will drive timely advancements for New Hampshire citizens.

It has also been tasked with identifying methods to increase opportunities that raise education attainment levels to meet workforce needs, improve accessibility and compatibility for all students, avoid duplication of academic programs, enhance regional growth and streamline administrative costs and obligations.

More information about the mission of the task force is outlined as part of Executive Order 2023-06, which can be found at http://tinyurl.com/2p92fn8v. Details on task force membership and meeting materials can be found at http://tinyurl.com/38xpwpb9.

Written comments will also be accepted and may be submitted by emailing Nicholas Marks at Nicholas.W.Marks@doe.nh.gov.

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