Danger in Higher Ed: The Many Dimensions of Harm

Start with this article that appeared today in the Chronicle of Higher Education: 

The Week: What You Need to Know About the Past 7 Days https://shar.es/1JWDIp via @chronicle

So, this article -- a must read -- details a series of items that are noteworthy: the death of the UCLA professor; the Ken Starr debacle; the Trump University horror show; the closure of 3 small colleges recently; the dismissal of presidents.  So, what do all these events have in common?  

I see a theme: danger in all its dimensions.

First, there is the threat of physical danger on campuses and much has been written about how UCLA handled this former student's shooting rampage.  They are fortunate more people were not killed; there was sufficient ammunition to kill many more.  Remember, schools and universities were once safe places.  And don't get me started on the issue of guns on campuses -- whosoever is possessing them on their person.

Second, we have the almost incomprehensible story of disregard at Baylor for the sexual abuse of students and the equally incomprehensible response of its former President, Kenneth Starr.  It is hard to believe that this person is a lawyer, former federal appeals court judge, independent counsel and solicitor general.  Listen to his ESPN interview.  Or, listen to the interview where his media consultant advises him on how to answer a question and he gives three answers.  Look at his facial expressions. And, if you were a named recipient on an email that had as its subject like something like: "I was raped at Baylor," is that an email you would ignore or forget?  Jeez.

Third, we have Trump University -- which gives new meaning to the term "university" and not a positive one. Apparently, lots of students did not get what they expected.  And, according to some, there was overt distortion of the truth, not a good thing as Ken Starr should know. Distortion isn't good for a presidential candidate either.  Promise less; deliver more. What happened to that adage?

Fourth, we have the closure of three small colleges which could, but should not, lead folks to assume that all small colleges are literally going to tumble down.  To be sure, there are lessons to be learned from each of these cases. Small colleges need to make wise decisions, they need to define and live up to their niche and they need to be proactive and even a touch prescient.  But, in each of the cases presented, there are unique factors worth remembering and considering in reflecting on their demise.

Fifth, there is the demise of several college presidents -- nothing new there. The job is getting tougher and presidents are increasing being challenged by their boards but some of the issues are self-generated. Seriously, you spend buckets of money on frivolous items, you need to take a long look in the mirror.  And, unilateral decisions, without quality buy-in from key groups on campus, are fraught with peril.  Just remember that the Mount's former President, the paradigm of what not to do, and do the opposite of what he did.  Listen well.  Engage with others.  Inform the Board of issues within their purview.  Limit spending for one's home and office. Speak with sensitivity and grace.  

I just went to a conference co-sponsored by ETS and America's College Promise.  I have to say that in contrast to the above Chronicle article, I was heartened by the engagement of leaders in thinking through ways to improve higher ed access and success, including designing financial approaches that can enable low income students to become college graduates.  No one was naive.  No one hid from harsh realities. But, new ideas were discussed. Old ideas were re-envisioned. Thoughtful conversation was had.  

Mike Nettles and Martha Kanter are to be commended because they provided a forum in which one could see the power of education and the strategies that would be beneficial.  Instead of seeing danger everywhere and being scared away, those in attendance saw the dangers and the realities but were not frightened or disheartened. They were emboldened.

We need to be careful when we read articles heralding all that ails higher ed. We cannot be naive -- there are bad situations and suboptimal leaders and organizations.  That said and recognized, there are many more people of purpose and integrity and audacity and vision and commitment dedicated to improving the opportunities for low income students.  Let's write about them and their efforts.  True, new media like the bad stories; good stories don't sell.

But, good stories have power.  Plenty of power.  Noteworthy power.  They hold the power of change.