Higher Education *sigh*
I am officially horrified at the state of higher education in this country. In addition to Adam's oh so interesting debacle and the happenings of last year, I found this today. It seems that there's some sort of trend (if you can believe cnn) toward hiring fundraisers rather than academics as college presidents. Now, I'm not knocking the benefit of having a good fundraiser on staff, but shouldn't the leader of an educational institution be highly educated himself (or herself if you prefer)? Seriously, what gives? Maybe I'm just a starry eyed idealist, but I really kind of think that there's a goal in education above raising money. Not so according to this:
That's terrifying! So, students and parents of America, the world of higher education has something to say to you, "we don't care how good your education is, or what your qualifications are, is our budget balanced? and can you pay for it?" Pardon me while I run screaming.
'The Chronicle survey found 53 percent of presidents worked on fundraising every day, more than any other activity. Asked how they defined success, the most common reply was "having a balanced budget," beating out "excellent quality of educational programs."'
That's terrifying! So, students and parents of America, the world of higher education has something to say to you, "we don't care how good your education is, or what your qualifications are, is our budget balanced? and can you pay for it?" Pardon me while I run screaming.
posted by Victoria at 1:23 PM
6 Comments:
Victoria, I would have to whole-heartedly agree about the running and screaming. Why shouldn't we be more focused on having better educated individuals in charge of colleges and universities? I mean, how can people who only know how to do fundraising know how to hire good profs? I feel like those presidents who are good at fundraising are also the kind of president who would fire someone who was "good at their job". (Hint, hint, wink, wink)
I am definitely all for presidents who actually care about academics and about the state that the campus is in. Members of the Sweet Suite, when you start your college, make sure you don't let this sort of fundraising phenomenon happen to you!
In other news: Titration curves are dumb.
Abby, the hints and winks are noted and appreciated :)
The problem with a fund-raising president is that he/she must kowtow to every group connected to the college/university. Being a fund-raising president, of course, the groups with the most money or power are the ones who see their wishes carried out.
Is it good that those with the most money and power are the most influential in academia??? You decide.
Sadly enough, it is because of parents and high schoolers that we have become this way...Admissions runs the school...
does the dog wag the tail or the tail wag the dog...think about it...It is almost entirely about money, and it is only getting worse. And HU is playing the game better than most.
peace
So what can we do to educate parents of high schoolers about academic value? Or, better yet, educate them about education. It feels like the best I can do is make sure that I don't become one of them.
What do you do is always an interesting question...
I think being people who support learning over indoctrination, and knowing the difference is half the battle.
By educate within churches, youth ministry, where ever you are able. Inform people of the importance of liberal education, the value it has had for you, and raise the bar of thinking of those you are around.
Within the institution, it is an uphill battle...well actually, it shoudl be a downhill battle...or more like "Trinkle down theory". The President and senior administrators should be the frontrunners of such high ideals, and demand this kind of investment of all people working within the institution.
Overly idealistic I know, but maybe it could exist Somewhere...
Peace
Possibly in the sweet liberal arts college that we are going to establish ourselves. You know, the one without a nursing program or a major in "sports ministry." Like I always say, if you're gonna dream, dream big. :)
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