Many presidents of private colleges and universities recognize that the demographic cliff, changes in student preferences for degree programs, shrinking donations, and closer auditing by the government could severely damage their institution. However, it seems that a large number of presidents sincerely believe that they can meet the challenges by growing enrollment and increasing donations. This is a massive non sequitur, and therefore is not a rational response to imminent and destructive events that will place unbearable financial stresses on most private colleges and universities.
Unfortunately, impartial observers can only wait and hope that these presidents will see that they are living on the edge of a calamity and have the time to respond. Time is everything as known events unfold and push private colleges into deep financial distress.