No Diploma, No Problem
The experiences of entrepreneurs and writers call into question the goal of a college degree for everyone.
Life Management 101
It takes awhile to learn to manage money, things…and even one’s time. But there are surprising rewards, such as good grades.
Open Checkbook for Unchecked Growth
An attempt to limit enrollment growth in North Carolina state universities was shot down by legislators at the last minute–unfortunately.
Magic Elixir for Growth or Economic Snake Oil?
Higher education might not be the cure-all for economic growth that the political and academic establishment proclaims it to be.
The Vision Thing
The 2008 financial crisis, which still lingers in the higher education community, should not have been a surprise. Higher education has a financial cycle—trough, recovery, peak and decline—that mirrors the business cycle. Neither corporate nor university executives can predict with any certainty when the next downturn will occur, but institutional leaders could have prepared their institutions by containing their ambitions, creating safeguards, and developing contingency plans.
My heretical view is that mainstream public and private not-for-profit higher education boards of trustees have neither the will nor the incentive to control their institutions’ costs. The pursuit and maintenance of prestige are more valued than fiscal responsibility.
Thinking Like an Economist
A new book subjects college education to Bastiat’s famous “seen versus unseen” analysis.
Leading Legislators Astray
A policy report about higher education by a leading think tank gives state legislators misleading information.
Standing Up to My Alma Mater
One graduate finds out that she can support her school without giving administrators free rein to use the money as they wish.
Grifter U.
Higher education’s increasing reliance on government money is attracting innovation and creativity–of the worst type.
Reforming the Academic Core
The Board of Governors should select a president who will revitalize student learning at the University of North Carolina.