How Higher Education Can Address The Public Interest
Currently, America encounters several challenges that threaten to limit access to higher education opportunities. I characterize these challenges as two types of deficits confronting this nation: an opportunity deficit and a learning deficit. I will clarify the meaning of those terms later; however, it is important to note from the outset that this paper is motivated by a desire for America to effectively address the challenges it encounters. I seek an expansion of its commitment to higher education. By maintaining accessibility to opportunities for all Americans. By maintaining affordability in higher education. Is that an excessively high wall to ascend? It is highly unlikely. Please allow me to elaborate.
Research indicates that brain development occurs most significantly during the early years of life. When a child receives stimulation, nurturing, and care, their brain develops by forming connections. It is essential to provide stimulation and nurturing during the child's initial years.
While we cannot ensure that every child will achieve exceptional success, we can provide them all with the necessary foundation to begin their journey. I urge all higher education leaders to advocate for early childhood development within your states. This initiative encompasses quality education, which includes the involvement of parents, who are the primary and most significant educators. It encompasses adequate health care for all children during their initial five years. The initiation of a kindergarten program for four-year-olds represents a significant achievement. However, one could contend that the three preceding years hold equal significance.
I am concerned about the state of our public schools and wish to contribute to their improvement and excellence.
We have made efforts to elevate student standards. We have elevated teacher standards to ensure that educators possess a thorough understanding of their subject matter, demonstrate effective teaching methods, and collaborate effectively with colleagues, parents, and communities. In achieving significant success, they have increased their involvement in the reform of their schools.
It is essential to recognize that individuals frequently do not receive the acknowledgment they merit. However, we discovered something noteworthy.
Individuals were prepared to embrace a challenge if it resulted in improved educational institutions. Individuals set elevated expectations for their educational institutions and desired us to adopt similar aspirations. By approaching the matter correctly, we can rely on individuals to make appropriate decisions and provide the necessary support.
Each week, I pose the question, “If you were governor, what actions would you take?” Their responses can likely be anticipated. Education occurs nearly every week. They would enhance their educational institutions. Their interest lies in opportunities for higher education. Young people prioritize this issue, and it is also of significant concern to their parents. Due to my interest in pedagogical methods, I inform you of these responses to indicate that you have effectively
prepared your teachers, though there remains significant room for improvement and potential for enhanced performance.
The Purposes of Higher Education
I have shared my perspectives on education to clarify my approach. The cause to which you have all dedicated your lives pertains to expanding access to opportunities that facilitate success, achievement, and fulfillment within our nation. The pathways that have facilitated improved living conditions for Americans.
Education, especially higher education, serves multiple purposes, with the promotion of citizenship being one of the most significant. The current political landscape underscores the increasing importance of engaged citizens who possess the ability to discern truth and demonstrate care and understanding. It is essential to articulate this initially when discussing our objectives.
A secondary purpose is to equip individuals to become responsible members of families and to fulfill their roles as parents and spouses within their communities.
A third purpose is to educate individuals with globally competitive skills. My interest in education stems from a desire to assist individuals in securing quality employment, a sentiment likely shared by many of you. Not only employment opportunities, but also quality jobs that offer competitive compensation, allowing individuals to support their families effectively.
Many people exert considerable effort to generate employment opportunities. The most effective approach is to emphasize education, focusing on the training and motivation of individuals to enhance their productivity and critical thinking abilities. You attempt to accomplish this for all individuals.
The Role of Public Policy in Higher Education
The track record of higher education in this country is commendable. Upon reflection over the past several decades in my state and nationwide, it is evident what has primarily contributed to the transformation of this country.
The G.I. Bill was a significant factor in transforming America after World War II. Historically, for the first time, children from average socioeconomic backgrounds—specifically the offspring of farmers and mechanics—gained access to college degrees. Veterans received various forms of education, including skills training. The shops had their lights illuminated. They were acquiring skills. Following the implementation of the G.I. Bill, a significant number of Americans began to aspire to attend college, with participation reaching into the tens of thousands. They obtained college education, which inspired other family members to believe, “That can be for us.” Many graduates who ascended the stage to receive their diplomas were the first in their families to achieve this milestone. The initiative commenced with the G.I. Bill, premised on the notion that individuals who served the nation, deemed invaluable to society, ought to have the opportunity to pursue higher education.
The G.I. Bill afforded numerous individuals unprecedented opportunities for education. The educated population fostered by this initiative propelled the nation into a position of global leadership. It facilitated the emergence of the substantial American middle class.
It provided opportunities for individuals who had been marginalized to pursue advancement and achieve excellence. The development of democratic values and institutions significantly contributed to the outcome of the Cold War, positioning this nation as the preeminent global power, albeit with untapped potential.
Consider the achievements of the past few decades regarding the opportunities and prosperity generated in this country, while acknowledging the necessity for further opportunity creation, particularly in specific regions. Since the veterans attended college, society has offered each generation increasingly enhanced opportunities for higher education. I propose that nothing has been more significant in America's emergence as today's leading economic powerhouse. In no other nation have young people been able to cultivate their talents and intellect through both public and private two-year and four-year higher education institutions. This transformation cannot be attributed to any politician, party, or political ideology. The American populace desired its implementation, and
significantly, higher education facilitated this process and has contributed to our advancement in the subsequent years.
In America, opportunities are closely linked to educational institutions, including classrooms, laboratories, and libraries, where faculty and administrators play a pivotal role in guiding individuals. It is imperative that we broaden our access significantly if our nation is to fulfill its potential for future generations.
The Issues Confronting Higher Education in the United States
This discussion focuses on the historical successes of public policy in higher education. I believe we can effectively address the current challenges we encounter. Some of these challenges involve a restriction of opportunities in America, trends that will constrain our progress and development. This threat to opportunity is indeed present today. This threat to higher education can be characterized by two types of deficits. I select that term as it may assist in directing our attention towards both our challenges and our opportunities.
The term "deficit" has held significant meaning in the context of American discourse for many years. Concerns regarding substantial budget and trade deficits persisted throughout the 1980s and 1990s, continuing until very recently. We were concerned to such an extent that we took action. We expressed concern regarding the budget deficit. We identified it as a significant threat. We have taken action, although further efforts are still required.
Today in America, there exists a deficit in both opportunity and learning within higher education. I will clarify the meaning of those terms.
A Deficit of Opportunity
The advantages provided by our system of American colleges and universities remain inconsistent and, in my view, unjustly allocated this encapsulates what I refer to as an opportunity deficit. I discussed today the significant improvements observed in our county. However, it is a fact that not all individuals who could gain from higher education have had the opportunity to pursue it.
We should concentrate on individuals who lack equal opportunities.
I am uncertain how others maintain awareness of current events, but I utilize two methods. I return to my farm each weekend to engage in agricultural activities, an activity I performed at 6:00 a.m. yesterday morning. I visit the local country store to observe and listen to individuals.
Each week, I depart to visit a nearby middle school, which predominantly serves an African-American student population and is situated adjacent to a public housing community. I collaborate with a sixth-grade student. I serve as his mentor. I have engaged in that activity for many years. This serves as a means for maintaining communication. Individuals in the field of education, particularly in higher education, require methods to achieve this everyone does.
Currently, our nation is approaching the largest group of young Americans reaching college ag. Individuals engaged in public education observe a yearly increase in enrollment figures.
Increasing numbers of students are currently progressing through elementary and secondary education. Over the next decade, nearly half of the states, including my own, are projected to see an increase in the number of high school graduates. Recently, I attended a speech by the president of our university system to a business group. The nation, states, and colleges appear to be inadequately prepared to address the impending educational demands posed by the forthcoming influx. This is an issue that requires our consideration and planning.
The cost and pricing of higher education are significant issues.
These are valid and significant concerns for numerous working-class and middleclass American families, particularly for those who are economically disadvantaged. The cost is directly related to opportunity.
Colleges and universities are facing criticism in certain circles for their slow responses to the evolving needs of students and the shifting economic and demographic conditions in American society. Although this may not apply universally, it is crucial to remain cognizant of this issue, as we should be proactive and forward-thinking. American higher education should prepare itself.
Current trends indicate that higher education will play an increasingly vital role in the future of our states and nation.
A Deficit of Learning
The opportunity deficit primarily concerns access to colleges and universities.
How can we ensure a more equitable distribution of college attendance opportunities? However, there exists a learning deficit in America, particularly regarding the experiences of students upon entering college. Overall, we have significantly outperformed in nurturing the talents of students from middle-class and privileged backgrounds compared to those from less advantaged circumstances.
Many students from diverse backgrounds exit higher education without achieving their personal aspirations, while societal demands for their learning and contributions remain unfulfilled.
This point can be articulated as follows. In recent decades, there has been a consistent increase in the proportion of high school graduates pursuing higher education.
The Educational Testing Service recently stated, “Higher education extracts from the pool of high school graduates using a sieve.”
In K–12 education, the term "drop-outs" refers to individuals who exit the school system prematurely. In higher education, these individuals are often referred to as "retention problems." I propose that we critically examine the concept of a learning deficit. I aim to identify solutions to this issue—not by diminishing our commitment to quality, but by enhancing it and exploring methods to maintain student enrollment, engagement, and academic progress. Our current performance can be improved.
The fundamental value is that higher education constitutes an invaluable national resource. The fundamental operating principle is to examine higher education in relation to the overarching public interest of the nation, states, and populace. The core mission is to foster a broad and inclusive dialogue regarding how higher
education can serve the public interest. This conversation encompasses all stakeholders, including the higher education community, governors, legislators, and civic, business, and local political leaders, as the future of colleges and universities is a collective concern.
We initiate by posing five sets of questions that are likely familiar to you.
1. What measures can be implemented to ensure access to education and training opportunities beyond high school for future generations of Americans? It is necessary to consider that. It requires our attention.
2. How can we enhance both the success and accessibility of education? How can we ensure that students become effective learners upon entering our colleges? They have completed all necessary requirements for eligibility to attend. What measures can we implement to guarantee their success?
3. How can we ensure that higher education serves as a countervailing force against, rather than a support structure for, the increasingly bipolar distribution of wealth, income, and opportunity in America?
4. What strategies can be implemented to maintain affordability in higher education for American families and taxpayers?
5. How can we ensure that high school students and their families' efforts will be recognized through college opportunities? What measures can be implemented to provide assurance to all citizens in this country? What strategies can be implemented to ensure that the commitment to providing, supporting, and mastering a rigorous curriculum translates into college opportunities, irrespective of a family's financial resources? What measures can be implemented to ensure that our teaching programs adequately prepare educators to facilitate student mastery of the curriculum?
The central theme of these questions is opportunity. The accessibility of higher education remains limited, resulting in lower graduation rates than anticipated. Allow me to present an analogy. We are initiating access to early childhood education. K–12 public schools are fully accessible; however, the challenge lies in
enhancing the quality of education. What strategies can be employed to enhance accessibility in higher education? It is essential to cultivate a passion for this endeavor.
Getting a College Education Is More Important than Ever
A recent survey indicated that over fifty percent of Americans anticipate that obtaining a college education in the forthcoming decade will be more challenging than it is currently. It should be the opposite; it should be becoming easier. Individuals should recognize that we are progressing in that direction.
The survey indicated that individuals recognize the significance of higher education. A significant majority of Americans hold the view that high school graduates ought to pursue college education, even in the presence of a favorable job offer upon graduation.
This finding is significant. This should instill pride in educators, as it indicates that the education provided is valued by the community.
The survey also showed that Americans believe:
- States require a higher number of college graduates for economic success;
- No qualified and motivated student should be barred from college enrollment due to cost;
- Policies restricting access to college are unacceptable;
- Strategies should be implemented to facilitate enrollment and success for more individuals;
- As of 2025, students and families are exerting maximum effort to finance college;
- Further price increases at this juncture are inadvisable.
A significant public policy issue that warrants attention is the appropriate extent of tuition increases, particularly in light of families' aspirations for their young
individuals and adults to achieve their full potential. What level of financial debt should be anticipated for students and their families? Despite the introduction of new initiatives aimed at facilitating earlier and extended borrowing, what constitutes an excessive financial burden for individuals seeking to pay for college and university education?
Conclusion: Access to Higher Education is Essential
Public policy should prioritize these issues more effectively. Our objective is to increase enrollment in your institutions and enhance degree attainment among students. Our objective is to provide this opportunity to young people and older adults across the nation, regardless of their origin, identity, race, religion, or family background. Access to higher education should be ensured for all individuals.
I will conclude my remarks by addressing my experiences as an individual raised in the rural South. Upon examining my community, I observed a scarcity of quality employment opportunities. Some large businesses preferred to limit competition. Higher education in my state and across the nation has facilitated our advancement, encouraging us to explore our origins and motivating us to discover our potential. I express my gratitude for your contributions to this effort. However, there is potential for improvement and further advancement.
This recalls a narrative shared by the Irish playwright Frank O’Connor regarding his upbringing in a village in Ireland. He stated that periodically, he and his friends would become frustrated with being reprimanded by their mothers, prompting them to leave the house and the village. They would not traverse a road or a paved surface; instead, they would proceed directly across the fields and pastures. They would soon encounter a stone wall that delineates the boundary between the farms and the granges. The stone wall was observed to be too high for climbing. Upon that occurrence, they would remove their caps and throw them over the wall, thereby necessitating their pursuit.
Many may perceive the challenges of making college accessible, maintaining affordability, and increasing the number of Americans pursuing higher education
as formidable obstacles. However, I assert that it is achievable. Collaboration is essential; mutual assistance is necessary to identify effective public policies and commitments to achieve our objectives. This constitutes America. Our history reflects significant achievements, and we anticipate further advancements. We look forward to collaborating with you to realize these goals in the coming years and decades.
Megan Wilson is a teacher, life strategist, successful entrepreneur, inspirational keynote speaker and founder of https://Ebookscheaper.com. Megan champions a radical rethink of our school systems; she calls on educators to teach both intuition and logic to cultivate creativity and create bold thinkers.
Source: https://ebookscheaper.com/how-higher-education-can-address-thepublic-interest/