( Source- cavalierdaily.com )
Exploring Education’s Future at the University of Virginia
On Thursday, University Presidents discuss the future of higher education and the evolving role of universities during a panel led by University of Virginia President Jim Ryan at the Old Cabell Hall auditorium. The event featured insights from Harriet Nembhard, president of Harvey Mudd College in California; Michael Crow, president of Arizona State University; and Santa Ono, president of the University of Michigan. The discussion was part of UVA’s broader initiative to prepare for societal and educational shifts by 2030, as outlined in its strategic plan.
Each institution represented on the panel brought diverse perspectives due to their different sizes, missions, and histories. For instance, Arizona State University (ASU) is one of the largest universities in the U.S., serving over 73,000 students, while Harvey Mudd College, much smaller and younger, has only 8,000 alumni. UVA, founded in 1819, holds a deep historical presence compared to the relatively newer Harvey Mudd. University Presidents discuss how, despite their differences, they share a common goal: adapting to the changing needs of students and society.
The Need for Institutional Diversity and Innovation
Michael Crow emphasized the importance of maintaining diversity in higher education institutions. He argued that universities should not all be structured the same, offering the same programs and approaches. “Not everyone needs the same engineering department and political science program,” Crow stated, referencing his book, Designing the New American University. According to him, institutional diversity has been one of the greatest strengths of the American education system, with its variety of models ranging from colonial colleges to land grant institutions and research universities.
Crow also highlighted the need for higher education to adapt to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body. Under his leadership, ASU has transitioned to a more interdisciplinary model, creating 40 cross-disciplinary schools and eliminating more than 80 outdated majors. He stressed that the goal of universities should be to produce “master learners,” rather than adhering to rigid structures that no longer serve modern students.
Harriet Nembhard shared insights on Harvey Mudd College’s unique focus on innovation and interdisciplinary education, blending STEM with the humanities. The college was founded during the Cold War, and aimed at producing graduates who could innovate “for humanity.” Nembhard expressed pride in Harvey Mudd’s niche role, educating 950 students across 12 STEM majors. She emphasized the importance of producing well-rounded engineers who can not only solve technical problems but also communicate effectively with others.
Collaborative Leadership for the Future
University Presidents discuss the importance of collaboration among universities, with Santa Ono, president of the University of Michigan, emphasizing his desire to build partnerships with UVA due to their similar sizes and research missions. Ono highlighted the critical role universities play in innovation, job creation, and driving economic growth. He noted that changes in education need to be timely and should directly benefit society, as public dissatisfaction with higher education continues to rise.
The panel was part of UVA’s Futures Initiative, a project launched in January 2024 by the Provost’s Office. The initiative, led by Phil Bourne, Ken Ono, and Jason Nabi, seeks to address the challenges outlined in President Ryan’s 2030 Plan and to reimagine how UVA can thrive in an evolving world. The panel discussion concluded a full day of activities, including a tour of UVA’s historic Lawn and Rotunda and a roundtable with members of the Futures Initiative Working Group, who are exploring innovative strategies for the university’s future.
