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During a recent gathering of higher education leaders at the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) conference in San Francisco, G. Gabrielle Starr, president of Pomona College, emphasized the importance of communication. “If silence wins us nothing, speech at least gives us possibility,” she stated, drawing attention to the ongoing debate surrounding the relevance of liberal education.
The conference served as a platform for educators from various institutions across the nation to come together and discuss the necessity of advocating for liberal education—not just within their campuses but also within the broader community.
Discussions ranged from topics such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, faculty development, and the importance of free speech, to strategies for enhancing student success.
In a panel discussion moderated by AAC&U President Lynn Pasquerella, participants confronted the numerous challenges facing liberal education today. Speakers included Andrew Delbanco, president of the Teagle Foundation, Mike Flores, chancellor of Alamo Colleges, and Starr, who each shared their thoughts based on personal experiences.
Delbanco noted the difficulties in changing the minds of those skeptical about liberal education, stating, “It’s almost impossible to convince people who haven’t experienced it.” However, he also highlighted the fundamental need for this form of education, asserting that as students engage with liberal education, they emerge as advocates for its value.
Starr resonated with this sentiment, pointing out that silence about the benefits of liberal education serves no purpose. “We have the ability to persuade from the ground of our mission,” she affirmed, urging her colleagues to speak out.
Flores added to the conversation by stressing the importance of fostering discussions centered on hope amidst societal challenges. He observed a growing divide, where some perceive a stark line between those who have access to resources and those who do not. Higher education, he remarked, is crucial for personal and societal advancement, and it is these vital conversations that need to take place at the community level, especially when skepticism about the value of a college degree arises.
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www.higheredjobs.com