Abstract
The challenges faced today by U.S. colleges and universities have been accelerated by the current economic downturn, but they are not the result of it. Consequently, we should not expect a sudden reversal of fortune when the economy rebounds. Changing demographics and spending priorities coupled with increasing competition and demands for accountability mean that universities face a “new normal” in which they must embrace a clear vision of the future, including access and opportunity for all learners and a culture of entrepreneurship and service.
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Preparation of this paper has been supported by funds awarded by the University of Minnesota Board of Regents through the Regents Presidential Leadership Chair.
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Robert H. Bruininks
is the 15th president of the University of Minnesota and has served the University for more than 40 years, including positions as professor, dean, and executive vice president and provost.
Brianne Keeney
is a Ph.D. candidate in the higher education program at the University of Minnesota.
Jim Thorp
is director of communications in the Office of the President at the University of Minnesota. Please direct comments and questions to Jim Thorp, jthorp@umn.edu.
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Bruininks, R.H., Keeney, B. & Thorp, J. Transforming America’s Universities to Compete in the “New Normal”. Innov High Educ 35, 113–125 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-009-9135-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-009-9135-y