E.J. Dionne's column in the Washington Post (7/16/09) on the "quiet" crisis of higher education funding was an eye-opener for me. While we tend to get caught up in the challenges posed by K-12, Dionne reminds us that many students do not go on to higher education for one reason--money. President Obama's action regarding community colleges can help alleviate some of this financial strain but not enough says Dionne. We have to do more and do it now if we are not to fall behind in the global economy even more.
As vice chair of the board at our local community college, I think Obama has picked a good place to invest. But what E.J. Dionne's challenge suggests to me is less about pieces and more about somebody, somewhere thinking about a system of education--pre-K through baccalaureate--and devising a plan to make that happen as efficiently and as effectively as we can. Now who might we need to help us think about this? I would suggest college and university presidents who can be the link throughout the system and help recommend programs and priorities at all levels so this will happen. While we may be heavy on commissions and "Special Assistants for" in this administration, this is one place where a Blue Ribbon group with some teeth can make a difference. I have been calling on college and university presidents to get in the policy game again for some time, here is their chance.
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