In “The Four Pillars: How One University Is Redefining Student Success in America,” Dean Ramamurti makes a powerful case for Trinity’s comprehensive framework, demonstrating how the university is answering what she calls “one of America’s most urgent questions: What do today’s graduates truly need to succeed in higher education and beyond?”

The piece arrives at a critical moment in higher education, offering concrete solutions backed by Trinity’s proven track record serving a student body that is 85% Black or Hispanic, with many first-generation college students.

The Four Pillars for Student Success:

• Building Academic Courage — Rigorous dual enrollment partnerships that give high school students access to real college courses, building skills and confidence
• The Liberal Arts Advantage — Combining technical competence with deep intellectual grounding in critical thinking, cultural competence, and ethical reasoning
• Comprehensive Support — Addressing the whole student with resources that extend beyond campus, from financial aid guidance to emergency assistance
• Equity as a Strategy, Not a Slogan — Removing barriers to success and ensuring that zip code, family income, or previous educational experiences don’t predetermine potential

Dean Ramamurti’s article builds on her involvement in D.C. education policy. In August, she was invited as a panelist before the DC State Board of Education to address what graduates need to succeed in higher education and employment, where she explained Trinity’s Four Pillars approach, and advocated for more rigorous High School graduation requirements.

A Model That Works

What sets Trinity’s approach apart? Dean Ramamurti boldly rejects the notion that institutions must choose between maintaining high standards and serving diverse student populations. Instead, she showcases how Trinity’s partnerships with DC public and charter high schools—including Coolidge, KIPP DC, CHEC, and McKinley Tech—allow students to take actual college courses while still in high school, developing what she terms “academic courage.”

2025 Graduates of Trinity’s Early College Academy Program about to receive their Associate’s Degrees

“These aren’t watered-down versions, they’re the real thing, taught to college standards,” Dean Ramamurti writes. “Students discover they can handle rigorous work, building not just skills but the confidence that propels persistence.”

The article also tackles head-on the national debate pitting practical education against theoretical learning—a false choice, according to Dean Ramamurti. At Trinity, every student engages with literature, philosophy, and history alongside their professional studies. The reason? In an AI-driven economy, uniquely human capabilities become the differentiators.

“This isn’t academic luxury; it’s strategic necessity,” she explains in the piece.

Support Beyond the Classroom

Dean Ramamurti doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, acknowledging that academic preparation alone can’t overcome the real-world challenges many students face. To address this, Trinity’s Center for Student Success, developed in partnership with DCPS Persists, extends support beyond campus borders—from FAFSA assistance to emergency rent support, from tutoring to study skills workshops that teach learning strategies many students never acquired.

“When a student’s transportation fails or a family crisis erupts, having systems in place to respond quickly can mean the difference between persistence and dropout,” she writes.

A Call for Systemic Change

Reflecting on the broader implications for D.C. and beyond, Dean Ramamurti emphasized the critical need for alignment between high school and college expectations. “Updating [high school] graduation requirements is essential to ensure students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in college, careers, and civic life,” she said. “As the majority of future jobs will require postsecondary education or training, our standards must align with workforce demands and the realities of a rapidly evolving global economy.”

“Our College of Arts & Sciences general education curriculum,” says the Dean, “emphasizes critical thinking, communication, ethical reasoning, and collaboration—skills that should be cultivated well before college. By aligning high school graduation requirements with these competencies, we can better support students’ transitions to higher education, reduce the need for remedial coursework, and promote greater equity across [all] high schools.”

Trinity graduates enter careers in nursing, education, business, and public service equipped not just with technical competencies but with the adaptive capacities that enable long-term professional growth. They become leaders who understand both spreadsheets and social justice, who can navigate both boardrooms and community meetings.

To achieve this success, Ramamurti stresses the importance of inclusive decision-making: “Community voices are vital in this process because they bring diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and a deeper understanding of the challenges students face. Including educators, families, employers, and students ensures the updated requirements are not only rigorous and relevant but also responsive to the needs of all learners.”

National Implications

Dean Ramamurti’s model has implications far beyond D.C. “Trinity’s four-pillar approach offers more than inspiration—it provides a replicable framework for institutions nationwide grappling with similar challenges,” she writes.

“In an era when many question whether college is worth the investment, Trinity is proving that the right kind of higher education—one that is rigorous, holistic, supportive, and equitable—remains one of our most powerful tools for expanding opportunity and building a stronger society.”

Trinity Washington University congratulates Dean Ramamurti on this publication, and her committed leadership driving student success at Trinity and beyond!

Read the full article: “The Four Pillars: How One University Is Redefining Student Success in America” in The EDU Ledger.

Founded in 1897, Trinity Washington University is a private liberal arts university in northeast Washington, D.C.. As both a Predominantly Black Institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution, Trinity is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and equity, preparing leaders who transform their communities.