Higher Education Blog
I have decades of experience with higher education as a student, researcher, instructor and tenured faculty. Since leaving the academy in 2022, I have had time to reflect on higher education in the United States.
Students bring talent to the university. A common misconception presented by higher education is that the college experience will transform students into intelligent, talented, high performing individuals. The notion is that by interacting with faculty, students will become "more" as a consequence of the process. [July 8, 2023]
Don't chase the college "experience". Experiences just happen. Don't be fooled by the marketing of the college experience to prospective students. [June 7, 2023]
The best things about being a college student. College is the best time of your life, but its not all that great. Some ramblings on the most memorable parts of on-campus living and learning. Courses and book learning are not the only useful parts of an education. [June 7, 2023]
Is college worth it ... in economic terms? What prospects do average students have after graduation? My intuition after years of teaching and research suggest that a great deal of consideration should be placed on the economic outcomes before entering the academy. A report of the SSA on earning differences between those with a bachelor's degree vs. a high school education suggest that the gap between the median income of college graduates and non-graduates may be closer than what most people believe. Anecdotal information suggests that current differences in income may not be reflected in the historical trend. [May 29, 2023]