A musing look at American higher education

Abstract

American higher education has changed in the past century. Most institutions have changed through administrative leadership, but the increased emphasis on graduate education and research has influenced all. While studies call for renewed attention to undergraduate education and the liberal arts, graduate schools emphasize research. This essay is a commentary on the views and values involved. People are indeed funny. Professors are people. Collectively, they profess no obligation and confess no deficiency in educating youth.