College for the Commonwealth: A Case for Higher Education in American Democracy

by Michael T. Benson, Hal R. Boyd, E. Gordon Gee (Foreword by)

Overview

In the past decade, states across the nation have cut higher education spending per student by more than 15 percent. Kentucky has experienced some of the largest cuts in the country, leading many to claim that higher education is in a state of crisis. In spite of this turmoil, however, Kentucky's remarkable institutions of higher education stand more capable than ever to prepare new generations for the challenges and opportunities of their time.

College for the Commonwealth: A Case for Higher Education in American Democracy illustrates how colleges and universities are the sustaining lifeblood of civil society and that when these vital institutions are underfunded, both the community and economy suffer. Michael T. Benson and Hal R. Boyd examine the historical origins of higher education in America and analyze the benefits of postsecondary education through the lens of Kentucky. Presented as a practical yet persuasive look at why America needs thoughtful reinvestment in its colleges and universities, this study details how helping students can help sustain a healthy, democratic social fabric while bolstering the modern economy. Gathering examples and offering solutions for postsecondary institutions, this work serves as a call to action and a roadmap for educators, administrators, and government officials.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780813176598
Publisher:	University Press of Kentucky
Publication date:	11/16/2018
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Michael T. Benson is president of Eastern Kentucky University and has previously served as president of Snow College and Southern Utah University. Benson currently serves on the Council of Presidents of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) and is past chair of the NCAA Honors Committee. He is professor of government and the author of Harry S. Truman and the Founding of Israel. Hal R. Boyd has written for various journalistic and scholarly venues, including the Atlantic, the National Review, the Weekly Standard, and The Oxford Handbook series. Boyd holds a juris doctor from Yale Law School and teaches part–time at Brigham Young University.

Table of Contents

Foreword vii

Introduction: Making the Case for Reinvestment 1

1 The Democratic Ethos of Higher Education 11

2 "Univercities" and the Soul of the Student-Citizen 22

3 Higher Education and the Fourth Estate 32

4 Universities as America's Ambassadors-at-Large 45

5 A Liberal Education as Part of a Publicly Minded Education 57

6 Dynamic Challenges and Solutions in Higher Education 68

7 Higher Education at Work for the Commonwealth 87

Conclusion: Commonwealth at the Crossroads 105

Acknowledgments 111

Notes 113

Index 141

What People are Saying About This

Robert M. Daines

"A vigorous and thoughtful defense of the public value of education.  It is definitely worth reading in an era where it is sometime thought fashionable or prudent to reduce expenses on education."

From the Publisher

"Michael T. Benson and Hal Boyd have written a thought-provoking book, the subject of which is both timeless and timely. A must—read for political and corporate leaders, it might convince them that the old adage, 'you get what you pay for,' applies to education, too!" — Lindsey Apple, author of Cautious Rebel: A Biography of Susan Clay Sawitzky

"Michael T. Benson and Hal R. Boyd present a convincing case for why higher education needs and deserves public support. From practical examples they demonstrate how investment in higher education enables a society to rise to the opportunities presented by the future. Their argument is focused on Kentucky, but its lessons are as applicable to the United States as a whole. As these two wise men put it, "Kentucky is at a crossroads, but so is the nation." — Daniel Walker Howe, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of What Hath God Wrought:The Transformation of America, 1815-1848

"A vigorous and thoughtful defense of the public value of education.  It is definitely worth reading in an era where it is sometime thought fashionable or prudent to reduce expenses on education." — Robert M. Daines, Stanford University

Lindsey Apple

"Michael T. Benson and Hal Boyd have written a thought-provoking book, the subject of which is both timeless and timely. A must–read for political and corporate leaders, it might convince them that the old adage, 'you get what you pay for,' applies to education, too!"

Daniel Walker Howe

"Michael T. Benson and Hal R. Boyd present a convincing case for why higher education needs and deserves public support. From practical examples they demonstrate how investment in higher education enables a society to rise to the opportunities presented by the future. Their argument is focused on Kentucky, but its lessons are as applicable to the United States as a whole. As these two wise men put it, "Kentucky is at a crossroads, but so is the nation."

Editorial Reviews

Benson and Boyd's analysis and critique of a vital sector of our society [is] remarkably articulate and thought-provoking. Even if you have never set foot on a college campus, if you live in Kentucky, your future is inexorably tied to the viability of the higher education opportunities we make available to the citizens of our great state. College for the Commonwealth makes a very convincing, data-driven case that we truly are all in this together. Highly recommended.

Bowling Green Daily News

Michael T. Benson and Hal Boyd have written a thought-provoking book, the subject of which is both timeless and timely. A must–read for political and corporate leaders, it might convince them that the old adage, 'you get what you pay for,' applies to education, too!

Lindsey Apple

Michael T. Benson and Hal R. Boyd present a convincing case for why higher education needs and deserves public support. From practical examples they demonstrate how investment in higher education enables a society to rise to the opportunities presented by the future. Their argument is focused on Kentucky, but its lessons are as applicable to the United States as a whole. As these two wise men put it, 'Kentucky is at a crossroads, but so is the nation.'

Daniel Walker Howe

A vigorous and thoughtful defense of the public value of education.  It is definitely worth reading in an era where it is sometime thought fashionable or prudent to reduce expenses on education.

Robert M. Daines

"Benson and Boyd's analysis and critique of a vital sector of our society [is] remarkably articulate and thought-provoking. Even if you have never set foot on a college campus, if you live in Kentucky, your future is inexorably tied to the viability of the higher education opportunities we make available to the citizens of our great state. College for the Commonwealth makes a very convincing, data-driven case that we truly are all in this together. Highly recommended." — Bowling Green Daily News

From the Publisher