In his State of the University speech this week, UMass President Marty Meehan announced that the UMass system would launch a national online college, with a focus on adult learners. Meehan says it is a necessary step for the university system to confront the "existential threat" of changing demographics and a decrease in demand for traditional higher education opportunities.

Marty Meehan, UMass system president. He tweets @martymeehan.