Over the last 40 years, and particularly in the most recent decade, both the research papers and expert community surrounding Higher Education Research & Development (HERD) have made formative contributions to understanding and improving how higher education students engage and succeed. This paper takes stock of these contributions. After introducing the focus and approach, a review of contexts and bibliometrics is presented in a three-part historic structure. First, it documents foundation research in the 1980s and 1990s. Next, it analyses contributions made through HERD and its community since the turn of the century. The penultimate section unpacks more recent developments and trends. The paper concludes by clarifying emerging scholarly trends, practical needs, and research frontiers.