October 1, 2025
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Perceptions of Princeton University Among Policy and Political Audiences
Gadi Dechter
Princeton University’s Vice President for Communications and Government Affairs

George Bustin, introducer, and Gadi Dechter

​Minutes of the Fourth Meeting of the 84th Year

The Old Guard gathered for its fourth meeting of the year on October 1, with George Bustin presiding. Frances Slade opened with the invocation, and Madelaine Shellaby read the minutes from the prior week. Four guests joined the assembly: Katherine Kish, applying for membership and introduced by Jim Hockenberry; Toby Taylor, introduced by his wife, Patricia; Elizabeth Silverman, introduced by her husband, Steve; and Marna Seltzer, introduced by her mother, Anne. Total attendance was 94.

The day’s program featured a much-anticipated talk by Gadi Dechter, Princeton’s Vice President for Communications and Government Affairs, on Perceptions of Princeton University and Higher Education. With some 60–65% of Old Guard members affiliated with Princeton, the large turnout came as no surprise.

In his thoughtful introduction, Bustin noted the timeliness of the subject: public trust in higher education is eroding, even as universities continue to drive research, discovery, and national problem-solving. Dechter confirmed the challenge. While Princeton enjoys a strong reputation, he said, public confidence—particularly among Republicans and non-college graduates—has declined dramatically due to misinformation and populist skepticism.

Dechter emphasized the dual need for autonomy and federal support, and the importance of dispelling myths that universities are wealthy, partisan institutions serving themselves. A particularly eye-opening slide revealed that many Americans mistakenly believe universities are for-profit enterprises—a misconception Dechter described as “one of the most damaging and pernicious” facing higher education.

Still, there is good news. Americans broadly support scientific research and want the United States to remain a global leader. Princeton’s alumni are a powerful asset as well: 90% remain engaged with the university, and 70% give their time or financial support—a remarkable alignment with Princeton’s mission.

Dechter also praised President Christopher Eisgruber, calling him “brave” in his defense of academic freedom and institutional values. Eisgruber, he noted, often concludes his remarks to alumni by declaring Princeton “better than ever today—the best university in the world.”

The lively Q&A reflected the audience’s deep ties to Princeton, particularly its engineering school. Dechter closed candidly, acknowledging that one of the hardest parts of his job is navigating a U.S. government landscape where authority and long-term vision are often unclear.

It was, in all, a fascinating exploration of how perception shapes reality for higher education—and how Princeton seeks to tell its story with clarity, courage, and conviction.

Respectfully submitted,
Anne Seltzer