When historians review 2012 for its noteworthy moments, events and milestones, they will find the year was a trying one for the American higher education system, despite its being able to educate and enlighten thousands in search of more choices and preparation for adult self-sufficiency. Many academicians and students worked for and celebrated the re-election of President Barack Obama to a second term. Obama's re-election helped ensure higher education would continue having a strong advocate in the White House. This summer and fall, the Department of Education imposed tighter eligibility requirements for Parent PLUS Program (PPL) loan applicants, causing schools to lose thousands of students and millions of dollars in anticipated revenue in the fall. Universities across the spectrum continued to wrestle with leadership voids and turf battles between trustees and presidents. Nearly 15 percent of the nation's institutions of higher learning were on the hunt in 2012 for new presidents, including more than a dozen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The year did have many a high note. There were graduations of thousands of first-generation college students. There were also "finish-line" milestones reached by many. It was certainly a noteworthy year.