Seventh in a series on the Texas Triangles. More than a campus, a catalyst.Ā Ā Location plays a significant role in college attendance. Post-secondary educational attainment levels are higher in Tom Green (Angelo State University), Lubbock (Texas Tech University), El Pasoā¦
Originally published in the Dallas Morning News on March 18, 2025. Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law Texas SB17 in 2023, closing DEI offices at Texas universities. As colleges continue to adjust, we’ll see a rediscovery of our true calling.ā¦
Originally penned on July 8, 2015 this reflection reminds us of the impact that universities have on local economies.Ā Little has changed since that time regarding these insights.Ā Universities impact regional economies. In rural areas where economic diversity is scant,ā¦
Ivan Ilitch, a former Roman Catholic priest and philosopher, questioned technology’s benefits. His text, Tools for Conviviality, published in 1973, discussed the appropriate use of technology. One of his concerns was that technology might replace our ability to exercise freeā¦
The following reflection is one of six focusing on the importance of university research initially posted a decade ago. The following, modified modestly here, appeared on January 8, 2012. Sixth in a Series on Research Escalating financial exigency increasingly encouragesā¦
The following reflection is one of six focusing on the importance of university research initially posted a decade ago. The following, modified modestly here, appeared on December 11, 2012. Fourth in a Series on Research Research creates interest and valueā¦
The following reflection is the third of six pieces focusing on the importance of university research. This series was initially posted a decade ago. The following, modified modestly here, appeared on December 4, 2012. Third in a Series on Researchā¦
The following reflection is the second of six pieces focusing on the importance of university research. This series was initially posted a decade ago. The following, modified modestly here, appeared on November 27, 2012. Second in a Series on Researchā¦
The following reflection is one of six pieces focusing on the importance of university research. This series was initially posted a decade ago. The following was published on November 20, 2012. First in a Series on Research Ā Learning creates ideasā¦
Eighth in a series regarding Panhandle values and quality of life. In his 1893 essay, “The Significance of the Frontier in American History,” Frederick J. Turner recognizes the importance of faith and revivalism in America’s westward expansion in the 19th-century.ā¦
The enrollment challenges that universities face in the coming decade will be assigned to the enduring impact of COVID-19. While part of emerging trends, it’s not the complete ledger. Birthrates are down nationally, as is college readiness. In Texas, 90%ā¦
Seventh in a series on COVID-19 and studying in spring 2021 In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, graduate students previously enrolled or contemplating spring 2021 enrollment should be aware of significant trends. Nationally, students wrestle with costs and benefitsā¦
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¦
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¦
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¦
When the economy heads south, the time may be right for completing an unfinished undergraduate degree or working on a graduate degree either online or on campus. There are a number of reasons that such action makes sense. For recentā¦
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 the United States, a significant number of undergraduates continue their education to obtain graduate degrees. Of the 1.8 million undergraduates in 2014, 750,000 pursued and earned masterās degrees and over 50,000 earned PhDs (not including professional doctorates such asā¦
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¦
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¦
Higher education in China is changing rapidly. Ā When Chinaās higher education complex matures, it may look like the Golden Stateās in 1960. āChina maintains a highly specialized approach to university studies that has its roots in the Soviet model, butā¦
This week you are reading a reflection from Jay Larson on the impact of the campus environment on the university experience.Ā Ā A Murphysboro native and veteran, Jay has a BA and MA from SIUC in history, specializing in China/Asia and taughtā¦
Fourth in a series on teaching excellence Thousands of times during any school day at any university students walk into a classroom, armed with a computer, a cell phone, an iPod, a vision of what they might do for theā¦
Second in a series on teaching excellence Teaching is leadership.Ā There are many distinctive views of teaching but, in the end, teaching is about leadership.Ā I do not think it possible to find a great leader who is not aā¦
Universities work best in the difficult, contentious, unfettered mode that allows free inquiry. Mysterious from within and without.Ā It is their nature. When faculty members are critical of administration, students are rambunctious, and complex discourse erupts on campus, all isā¦
At this time of the year, it is hard not to reflect on graduate education and its rising importance to many students in colleges and universities.Ā We send students to some of the best graduate schools in the United States:ā¦
Job prospects for graduating students are as challenging as anyone has seen in decades.Ā There is scarcely a bright light to be found.Ā In a rush to address this complex socioeconomic and political issue some universities might be led toā¦
The most powerful stimulus ever invented, used for good and evil since the beginning of time, and producing both astoundingly positive results and the greatest tragedies in human history, creating vast wealth and pervasive poverty, leading to fulfillment or failure,ā¦
In this season of thanksgiving and refreshment, of looking ahead and looking back, little is more central to our university than new ideas and new knowledge that build on the past and shape the future. Looking back and lookingā¦
Work is a four letter word.Ā Ā Unfortunately. Our sons, while attending university worked long hours in various jobs, sometimes two or three simultaneously, to make it āon their own.ā It may have come from my constant talk aboutā¦
Educating professionals was not central to university life until the last part of the 19th century. It was, in a fashion, introduced through the Morrill Land Grant of 1863, and reinforced by Charles Eliot at Harvard as the 19th centuryā¦
Over the past few months research, economic development, our library, intercollegiate athletics, graduate study, quality, leadership and resources have been addressed, among a number of other topics. The center of our University, its sole purpose for being though is aboutā¦
We are conditioned to think āundergraduateā when we hear the words ācollege student.ā When we think of growing our university to more ably serve a greater number of students you can feel the predisposition building, we are thinking of freshmanā¦
Our world is simultaneously growing and shrinking. We must change our views of ourselves and our increasingly intertwined neighbors, near and far. Change powers Our University. Quality is judged by the change that occurs in students during their time atā¦
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
