The future of American higher education will be the topic of discussion Thursday night when University of Minnesota President Bob Bruininks and two former administrators take the stage as part of the UniversityâÄôs Great Conversationslecture series.
Increased competition and greater investment in universities abroad are a growing threat to the dominance of American research universities in higher education, said Great Conversations Program Director Margy Ligon. Bruininks will be joined by former Columbia University Provost Jonathan Cole and former chancellor at the University of California, Berkeley, Robert Berdahl to discuss how American universities can maintain their place as global leaders.
The College of Education and Human Development is hosting the event, which was initiated by Bruininks, who wanted it to take place as part of Homecoming.
âÄúWe feel like itâÄôs a perfectly appropriate discussion topic, especially during Homecoming,âÄù Ligon said. âÄú[ItâÄôs important] that you not just pay attention to the athletics and the parade but you actually think about the academic side of what universities do.âÄù
The event is at 7:30 p.m. in Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2106 Fourth Street.
Tickets are $22.50, but University faculty, staff and students can purchase them for $20. Tickets can be ordered by calling 612-624-2345 or bought online at www.northrop.umn.edu/events/renewing-promise.