EP 934 A College President’s Reflections on the Crisis in Higher Education

 A series of threats have landed on the doorstep of leaders in higher education. These include a demographic cliff which jeopardizes the very existence of some institutions, the advent of AI and the uncertainties it presents for faculty and students prospects going forward, attacks on academic freedom from the Trump Administration, along with threats to cut off funding for research.  All of this in the wake of a ruling striking down affirmative action by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023 and the turmoil on campus over treatment of both Jewish students and those demonstrating support for the Palestinian cause.  It’s no wonder the average college president occupies a chair some would ask ‘why would anyone want this job?’  Our guest, Beverly Daniel Tatum, Ph.D, was very successful in serving as the ninth president of Spelman College in Atlanta from 2002-2015.  In her latest book, “Peril and Promise”, she describes her innovative approach to leading a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), single sex institution for that length of time, as well as providing her insightful take on the challenges described above.