Reading the Chronicle of Higher Education on January 6, 2021, I came across an advertising banner that gave me pause. It read, āA College Lifeline: Higher Education for incarcerated and rural students – and why it matters.ā I downloaded thisā¦
Sixth in a series on COVID-19 and studying in Spring 2021 Originally published on September 29, 2018, slightly modified here The roots of higher education in the United States are knotted into purpose and place.Ā From a functional standpoint, almost allā¦
Fifth in a series on COVID-19 and studying in spring 2021 Originally published on December 31, 2013, and slightly modified here Ā As the effects of COVID-19 impact nearly every decision made regarding long-term investments, a college education is no exception.ā¦
Third in a series on COVID-19 and studying in Spring 2021 Provisions are being made for students, faculty, and staff to return to West Texas A&M University this spring. Beginning last summer, to meet diverse needs of faculty and students,ā¦
Second in a series on COVID-19 and studying in Spring 2021 The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was instituted to provide assistance to individuals and families suffering through the economic trials of COVID-19. I will not rehearseā¦
Originally published April 13, 2015, and modified for another look. Universities and the people and organizations that support them require the exercise of free will that promotes personal and shared responsibility. Responsibility is the nucleus of Adam Smithās Theory ofā¦
West Texas A&M University will host a virtual graduation in December ā a decision reached only after much discussion and heartfelt deliberations. Details regarding the event will be released soon. I know that many faculty, staff, students and families willā¦
Seventh and final in a series of how universities can help build character. The character of a university, or any organization, comes from vision and mission cemented by distinguishing core values. West Texas A&M University has identified six core values:Ā ā¦
Sixth in a series of how universities can help build character. The idea of engagement carries with it a number of meanings. At a state-supported institution, we have a responsibility to promote effective citizenship. A citizen belongs to something largerā¦
Fifth in a series of how universities can help build character. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. If you hummed that along in your head, you probably know where this is going. Respect is a commodity. It is traded like baseball cards. It’s a giveā¦
Third in a series of how universities can help build character. WT values the practical framing of intellectual work. Being pragmatic does not mean big ideas or the big picture are avoided. When carried out faithfully, being pragmatic is aā¦
Second core value in a series regarding character Service presents itself in many ways at public universities. Members of university communities understand the three-legged stool of responsible teaching, scholarly work and service. I recently reflected on the power of customerā¦
Core Value One Second in a series of how universities can help build character. Academic freedom is a defining core value at WT. Last week the U.S. Department of Education tried to clarify a burgeoning cadre of rules and regulationsā¦
First in a series of how universities can help build character. Critical thinking skills, long held to be the nucleus of a strong liberal arts curriculum, are essential. A number of institutions receive acclaim for their ability to teach criticalā¦
Tenth and final in a series on the reopening of West Texas A&M University in the midst of COVID-19. Universities propel students, families and communities toward economic prosperity and intellectual liberty. WT has pursued this mission since 1910; training teachersā¦
Eighth in a series on the reopening of West Texas A&M University in the midst of COVID-19. A recent NICHE study found after surveying 20,000 students, 78% said in-person classes were appealing, and 29% found online courses appealing. The findingsā¦
Seventh in a series on the reopening of West Texas A&M University in the midst of COVID-19 Written a number of years ago and updated for its value as we return to campus. A culture is created and sustained byā¦
Sixth in a series on the reopening of West Texas A&M University in the midst of COVID-19. Regarding athletics, my goal as a university leader is to support student-athletes, first, and the enterprise of intercollegiate athletics, second. The individual andā¦
Fifth in a series on the reopening of West Texas A&M University in the midst of COVID-19. Little is more crippling to an individual or an organization than fear. It petrifies people into indecisiveness. It spawns endless self-doubt that metastasizesā¦
Fourth in a series on the reopening of West Texas A&M University in the midst of COVID-19. Itās a shotgun wedding of sortsāfamilies driven to home schooling by a virus. On the planet, 1.5 billion kids are being home-schooled, accordingā¦
Third in a series on the reopening of West Texas A&M University in the midst of COVID-19. This reflection represents a collaborative effort with the Executive Vice President and Provost, Dr. Neil Terry, and me to communicate cost and qualityā¦
Second in a series on the reopening of West Texas A&M University in the midst of COVID-19. A valuable part of attending a university for many college students, particularly those in their late teens or early 20s, is the experienceā¦
First in a series on the reopening of West Texas A&M University in the midst of COVID-19. In the coming weeks, I will address a number of issues regarding our return to campusāthings such as residential life, classroom and communityā¦
The concept of ānew normalā is wearisome. Enterprises of every kind falter assuming there was an old normal. Normalcy is an innovation-robbing concept. In February, I reflected on demographics and their impact on shaping a regional research university like Westā¦
People working in higher education, whether in the classroom, research lab, dance studio, library, and various business support offices or even maintaining buildings and grounds, are all involved in customer service. Many resist seeing students as customers; however, students payā¦
West Texas A&M University is becoming a regional research university. Defined in WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World,Ā it means in part, āOur focus will be on community life, schools in rural settings, enriched enterprise, beef, rural healthā¦
Excellent staff are important at any time in the life of any enterprise. In a crisis, purposeful people, excellent people, allow organizations to thrive. I didnāt say survive because many organizations will whimper out of the COVID-19 doghouse and simplyā¦
The 24-hour news circuitry is alive with concerns about COVID-19, its impact on people and the economic crater left in its wake. No segment of the American economy or enterprise, the faith life of Americans, or any other aspect ofā¦
Sixteenth in a series on what to look for in college. On February 2, 2017, I visited Canyon High School. A group of 600 students attended. Canyon ISD covers over 700 square miles of ground. With the onslaught of theā¦
Fourteenth in a series on what to look for in college. During the āYour Community, Your Universityā Tours, visits to high schools in the Panhandle and South Plainsādaytime visits while school was in sessionāhad a larger number of students present.ā¦
Thirteenth in a series on what to look for in college. At 37 degrees 27 minutes 12 seconds north latitude, Booker is the northernmost municipality in Texas. Booker used to be in La Kemp, Oklahoma, but in 1917 moved southā¦
Twelfth in a series on what to look for in college. Pampa, Texas, is the county seat of Gray County in the heart of the Texas Panhandle. Its population of just under 18,000 people is supported by agriculture, ranching, someā¦
Eleventh in a series on what to look for in college. Looking for a college? Gruver, Texas, can teach us something. A small but remarkable community in Hansford County, Gruver is home to about 1,200 souls. The community wanted toā¦
This was originally released in September 2014.Ā Given the challenges that universities are facing with the COVID-19 pandemic that may extend well into the future, the times are a barometer of purpose.Ā I walked into a room full ofā¦
In January 2019 the median household income in the United States was $63,688, a 0.3% increase over the December 2018 estimate. The growth rate of the median household income is substantial; however, according to Seeking Alpha, purchasing power for certainā¦
Dual enrollment, or dual credit, is the process whereby students in high school enroll in college courses that count for both high school and college credit. These programs are heavily subscribed to in various parts of our state and nation.ā¦
The U.S. birth rate is at its lowest recorded level. Since the 2008 economic recession, fertility rates have decreased by nearly 20%. The population of students for universities to draw from is shrinking. At the same time, the age ofā¦
I will not pretend to know the answer to this question for every individual; however, two ideas are repeatedly reinforced to me. First, students are interested in getting a job. A university that neglects this will falter. Second, students areā¦
No matter the size of the university or college, its mission, its status as public or private, flagship or regional, intercollegiate athletics plays an important role in how the institution is perceived. For almost 150 years, intercollegiate athletics has createdā¦
Universities face issues spawned during the past half-century that will cripple effectiveness if unaddressed. The standing and ranking perception of campuses will always be important. The best campuses will attend to excellence in teaching and scholarly work, affordability and rigorousā¦
The Nifty Fifty/Fifty Enrollments at universities around the United States are shrinkingādown 1.7 and 1.8 percent this year and last. Masterās and comprehensive universities, private liberal arts colleges, rural universities and a multitude of others that are not state flagships,ā¦
First in a series on what to look for in a college.Ā Ā What should students and families look for as they consider college? In the coming weeks, insights from the South Plains of Texas will be shared. New Home, Texas,ā¦
Buffalo Stadium on the campus of West Texas A&M University SirĀ William HerschelĀ wrote in 1802, āIf, on the contrary, two stars should really be situated very near each other, and at the same time so far insulated as not to beā¦
Posted last year on the occasion of summer graduation. The advice is still sound. West Texas A&M University had its summer graduation last week, as did many universities around the nation. People are always willing to give advice to recentā¦
āJohnny, have you seen my backpack?ā āMom, I told you to keep track of your school stuff.ā My junior year in college, there were approximately one hundred students studying architecture in my class. I remember two of those students wereā¦
There are more than 4,000 postsecondary institutions of higher education in the United States. Of those, more than 400 are regional universities. Regional universities, West Texas A&M University for example, contribute to local economies, cultural and civic life inā¦
[Fourth in a series about WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.] Universities desire to keep alumni close by. Graduates are a testimony to an institutionās progress and effectivenessāor not. More Harvard graduates live in Boston than any otherā¦
While West Texas A&M University and its generational plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World, are the basis for these reflections, the thoughts have value in many settings. Healthy organizations thrive on integrity and transparency. Since the Whiteā¦
The majority of college recruiting in the United States is focused on urban and suburban high schools. On the surface, given that approximately 80% of the U.S. population resides in metropolitan regions, it seems a plausible approach. However, the 20%ā¦
The Texas Panhandle appreciates hard work, persistence and commitment to family and community. This value system should never be taken for granted. It oozes from the ground and sprinkles from the sky. Those who inhabit the space between live it.ā¦
WTAMU was busy last year, and we look ahead in 2019 with great anticipation. In order to understand our future, it is worthwhile to reflect on our past. The Agricultural Sciences Complex opened on campus, consisting of the Happy Stateā¦
As we begin 2019 anyone involved in higher education, student or family member, spouse or friend, high school principal or daycare worker, instructor or president, knows things are changing at universities. Whether a public or private, for-profit or not-for-profit, onlineā¦
Jesus Christ responded to a question from a student regarding the greatest commandment in the Law: āAnd he said to him, āYou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with allā¦
As the new year begins, scores of students and their families will make choices about where to study next fall. Affordability, location and degree offerings should be serious considerations. No one should ever say, āIt is worth it no matterā¦
With the growing pervasiveness of online and distance education opportunities (Clicks), future students will have transcripts peppered with courses from different modes of instructional delivery at different institutions. At West Texas A&M University, rarely will a studentās academic record comeā¦
Originally published on November 30, 2015.Ā As we begin this season of reflection, āTeaching Firstā is worthy of another look as we focus on the first purpose of the university and the importance of staying true to our roots. Forwardā¦
In 1783, New York Governor George Clinton, proposed that in every state at least one public college should train people for entry into military service. In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the Morrill Act that said in partā¦
Contrary to predispositions, some rural kids do very well in universities. A recent Opportunity Insights Ā study reports that rural students from many areas of the country are as upwardly mobile as their contemporaries from urban or suburban communities. However,ā¦
The roots of higher education in the United States are knotted into purpose and place.Ā From a functional standpoint, all universities, public and private, existed for producing ministers. At Harvard, three in four graduates in the seventeenth century became workingā¦
In Texas 52.2% of the college students initially enrolled in 2009 had graduated with a bachelorās degree by the year 2015, according to the most recent data available at theĀ National Center for Higher Education Management Systems Information Center. I betā¦
There are multiple views of the university and its purpose. Uncle Johnny remembers fraternity parties, the āgentlemanās Cā and leisurely student life as the be-all and end-all. Aunt Susie reminisces of working 40 or 50 hours a week on topā¦
For universities job one is serving students one at a time, but they are not customers.Ā Patients maybe, clients perhaps, hopefully subscribers, but there is no fixed product or performance guarantee. Only hope, and servicing hope requires several basic understandings.ā¦
This was originally posted March 20, 2016.Ā It is the last summer rerun… The changing student demographics and accompanying changes in expectation from higher education come with no āgentle rapping.āĀ Rather a thunderous pounding that is wished away by manyā¦
This series of six reflections on corporate culture was originally published in October and November 2013.Ā I am on summer break but I think these still have some value.Ā WVW. Third in a series on Corporate Cultureā¦ A culture isā¦
This series of six reflections on corporate culture was originally published in October and November 2013.Ā I am on summer break but I think these still have some value.Ā WVW. Second in a series of reflections on corporate culture Anyā¦
GraduatesĀ ā In a few months, millions of people like you, full of hope and anticipation, will transition from high school to college. Privilege may have provided engaged deliberative parenting and quality primary and secondary educational opportunities, and you may haveā¦
Americaās universities are the best in the world. This is so for many reasons, but primary among them is that we live in a free and open society. Two and one-half centuries of freedom and individual independence have allowed andā¦
Originally published March 26, 2013. Ā Slightly updated and worth a second look. Real leadership liberates, never limits: it unleashes people to work with passion. Effective universities recognize that strength in academic programs exists on the ground, with engaged faculty,ā¦
A recent commentary in the Chronicle of Higher Education, a trade publication for university personnel, says that a ātyranny of metricsā undermines higher education.Ā The thought has enough truth in it to command attention. Yes, a metric focused environment mightā¦
Final installment in a series on why U.S. Universities are great Considerations beyond standardized test scores and high school GPAs, the rule in many nations, are common in admissions processes at U. S. institutions. Holistic admissions, when properly managed andā¦
Ninth in a series on why U.S. Universities are great āEducation without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.ā — C.S. Lewis U.S. universities, until the time of the Morrill Act ofā¦
Eighth in a series on why U.S. Universities are great Pragmatism in U.S. higher education calls for faculty and students to address real problems. Paul Simon, former Illinois Senator and presidential candidate, told me he viewed the Paul Simon Publicā¦
Sixth in a series on why U.S. Universities are great Only religious organizations benefit from American philanthropy more than universities. The causes for this are manifold, but the effect is that universities have become excellent because of philanthropy.Ā Generosity ceasesā¦
Fifth in a series on why U.S. Universities are great U.S. universities exist in a highly competitive three-party environment:Ā Public, private not-for-profit and private for-profit universities all share the market. The for-profit sector is not new to the landscape ofā¦
Third in a series on why U.S. Universities are great U.S. universities have traditionally held to the concept of mission differentiation.Ā Clark Kerr, former president of the University of California, cemented this idea into state policy through the 1960 Californiaā¦
Second in a series on why U.S. Universities are great Columbia Universityās 1880 core curricula required a general understanding of the human condition.Ā Coupled with training in specific disciplines it was the Holy Grail for U.S. universities.Ā It may beā¦
Of all the grades given at U. S. universities in 2013 — I know they all canāt be earned, so many must be given:Ā a gift or show of appreciation for the ever escalating tuition and fees?Ā The title saysā¦
Ā Tenth and final in a series on university struggles Human nature is human nature to be sure, but Students of the 21st century are not students of the 20th century.Ā Educational models from 50 to 75 years ago donātā¦
Eighth in a series on university struggles The welfare of the city that hosts a university campus is married to institutional progress.Ā Universities are becoming āgo toā economic development agents based on the number of people hired, the toilet paperā¦
This reflection was originally published on December 15, 2008.Ā It is worth a second look. Christmas memories are personal, deep and important for me. My familyās New York Christmases with the strong, first generational, influence of Western Europe; Cajun Christmasesā¦
American universities are struggling. Rethinking purpose, attention to mission, and refreshed understanding of value are required.Ā Ā Ten forces at work on higher education will be addressed in the coming months. One ā A foolish man builds his house on aā¦
The doom and gloom of Steven Strahlerās predictions regarding Illinoisā public universities in Crainās is real. Universities in Illinois must change. Politicians, unions, campus leaders, faculty and boards have watched a precipitous decline in effectiveness as they cling to theā¦
Leadership in any organization implies and requires transformation. Change in purposeful groups of people, large and small, creates discomfort. Organizational discomfort sometimes matures into a labyrinth of processes that stymie evolution in every corner of the hierarchy. Numerous excusesā¦
Universities impact regional economies. In rural areas where economic diversity is scant, the impact is greatest.Ā Economic growth follows four forces. A Labor Force Universities require workers of every stripe, and the jobs needed are one aspect of economic development.ā¦
Illinois State Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, started a discussion with SB1565 that could return the prestige of the higher education enterprise to one of the best in the nation. The not-ready-for-prime-time proposal calls for a conversion of universities to aā¦
The crust of the biscuit, the place where the rubber hits the road, the lick log in learning, is the exercise of free will that breeds personal responsibility.Ā Ā And nurturing responsibility in its manifold dimensions is the purpose of aā¦
Last week at UCLA, a student government committee disturbingly attempted to bar a student from a spot on the Judicial Board.Ā Her transgression?Ā She is a Jew, which might create a conflict of interest.Ā The Daily Bruin got it right:Ā ā¦
“Students from high-income families are considerably more likely than students from low income families to earn a college degree.”Ā So says a Higher Education Equity report. That’s not my bias, but an incontrovertible fact.Ā My bias is that crime andā¦
An old friend of mine asked me the other day, āWhat portion of the accumulated student debt was for educational endeavors?ā Ā He worked on a campus for a long time, not as a faculty or administrator but as a publicā¦
Given renewed interest in federal performance measures (ratings) for universities evidenced byĀ last week’sĀ announcements, this reflection of August 21, 2012 is worth a second look.Ā So are the Department of Educationās pronouncements:Ā No two universities are the same. No universityā¦
Inspired by a recent visit to Seoul National University and Yonsei University in South Korea. In order for a university to create positive economic and social value it must serve the community and region where it is located.Ā However, whenā¦
Seventh and final in the IMTE series A reflection on October 6, āIām Mad, too, Eddie,ā (IMTE) claimed that minority points of view are swept under the rug and labeled as intolerant.Ā Mayor Michael Bloomberg, speaking at Harvardās commencement, wasā¦
Fifth in the IMTE series My reflection on October 6, āIām Mad, too, Eddie,ā (IMTE) suggested that admissions offices accept students without basic skills or diminish standards and dole out scholarships to enhance enrollment. Last week Rose ā Hulman Instituteā¦
Fourth in the IMTE series My reflection on October 6, āIām Mad, too, Eddie,ā (IMTE) suggested that university leadership appears to react slowly or not at all to athletics problems. The nearly 400,000 students that participate in intercollegiate athletics programsā¦
Third in the IMTE seriesĀ My reflection on October 6, āIām Mad, too, Eddie,ā (IMTE) suggested that university leadership appears to operate without a moral compass. Of course it does appear to be so, because, too frequently, it is so.ā¦
SecondĀ in the IMTE seriesĀ I have a friend, an attorney, who, in response to my column last week, āI’m Mad, too, Eddie,ā (IMTE) said, āComplaining is the easy part but the solutions, now that’s another matter, and never easy.ā Iā¦
