Higher Education beyond Job Creation Universities, Citizenship, and Community [Hardcover]

This is a timely and vital contribution for those who take seriously the public purposes of higher education. Grounded within the philosophical roots of education in a democracy, each chapter inspires new thought and provides concrete recommendations for faculty, administrators and public policy. Concepts such as return on engagement and the multiple narratives of higher education have the potential to reframe our work in important ways by bringing heightened attention to the role of colleges and universities as citizens in the twenty-first century.Higher Education beyond Job Creation offers a clear and compelling review of the programs and strategies at one university designed to embed civic learning and engagement across the student experience. It will inspire presidents, faculty of all disciplines, and staff interested in educating for community and global engagement.In Higher Education beyond Job Creation, Thomas A. Bryer identifies the historical trends, current challenges, and future possibilities for higher education institutions to play an active and measurable role in strengthening communities and citizens. Through mini and extended case studies and carefully designed recommendations for institutional change, this book is a resource for policymakers, higher education administrators, and scholars concerned about the future of the institution and its role in society.Higher education in the United States and elsewhere is being forced to respond to several disparate social and economic pressures: social trust and connectedness is down, empathy across citizens is deteriorating, political awareness and participation are low, and job prospects and financial security are sobering for many citizens, even the college educated. The response to these pressures is not to double down on one mission of higher education, namely job creation. Instead, higher education marching into the next decades requires an integrative approach that promotes job creation, skill devell£+