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Wanted: A Successful Collegiate Rent-Seeker

Dec 28, 2022 · Richard K. Vedder · Comments Off on Wanted: A Successful Collegiate Rent-Seeker

Economists call someone who gets paid more than necessary to produce a good or service a “rent-seeker.” Arguably the preeminent rent-seeker in higher education, Terry Hartle, announced his retirement recently … Continue reading “Wanted: A Successful Collegiate Rent-Seeker”


Private-College Presidents Make a Killing

Dec 8, 2022 · Kristin MacArthur · Comments Off on Private-College Presidents Make a Killing

Public-university presidents frequently earn large salaries, as the Martin Center has previously reported. However, their private-college peers are not exactly poor. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education’s recent article … Continue reading “Private-College Presidents Make a Killing”


Administrators Have Seized the Ivory Tower

Nov 28, 2022 · Michael C. Behrent and K. Steven Vincent · Comments Off on Administrators Have Seized the Ivory Tower

The “ivory tower” has long been the lens through which American popular culture views higher education. The phrase conjures up images of seminar rooms and high-minded ideas debated at a … Continue reading “Administrators Have Seized the Ivory Tower”


Colleges: Go Back to Basics

Oct 26, 2022 · Richard K. Vedder · Comments Off on Colleges: Go Back to Basics

Colleges perform two vital functions: They disseminate to the people (especially their own students) the knowledge and wisdom acquired through time in ways that enhance the common good, and they also … Continue reading “Colleges: Go Back to Basics”


Administrative Bloat Harms Teaching and Learning

Aug 22, 2022 · Ashlynn Warta · Comments Off on Administrative Bloat Harms Teaching and Learning

Over the years, American universities and colleges have slowly drifted away from their central concerns, teaching and learning. This shift is perhaps best seen in the increased number of administrators … Continue reading “Administrative Bloat Harms Teaching and Learning”


Bending the Knee for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity

May 11, 2022 · Robert Weissberg · Comments Off on Bending the Knee for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity

Since the early 1960s, universities have sought to achieve racial equality. Initiatives have ranged from offering extra tutoring for struggling minority students to making them more comfortable on campus by … Continue reading “Bending the Knee for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity”


Why faculty members make poor administrators

Mar 1, 2022 · Letters to the Editor · Comments Off on Why faculty members make poor administrators

To the editor: Here is why faculty and faculty administrators make poor administrators that is not related to peer governance that shrinks from decisions. Very few are trained or self-trained … Continue reading “Why faculty members make poor administrators”


Sheep No More: the Alumni Rise

Oct 27, 2021 · Jay Schalin · Comments Off on Sheep No More: the Alumni Rise

In my nearly 15 years as a higher education journalist and analyst, I have, unfortunately, witnessed too few victories for the reform movement. In that time, and certainly for several … Continue reading “Sheep No More: the Alumni Rise”


Did You Know? The Higher Ed Bureaucracy Won the Pandemic

May 27, 2021 · Anthony Hennen · Comments Off on Did You Know? The Higher Ed Bureaucracy Won the Pandemic

An ill wind has buffeted higher education in the year of the plague. Workers have been laid off, the ranks of the professoriate have shrunk, and enrollment declines across the … Continue reading “Did You Know? The Higher Ed Bureaucracy Won the Pandemic”


A Conversation with UNC System President Peter Hans

Apr 12, 2021 · Shannon Watkins · Comments Off on A Conversation with UNC System President Peter Hans

A new leader took the helm of the University of North Carolina system during a tumultuous time. In the midst of a global pandemic, Peter Hans was elected UNC system … Continue reading “A Conversation with UNC System President Peter Hans”

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  • At UNC, More Good News on Free Expression Jan 30, 2023

    With new policies and a new school, the UNC System, the UNC Board of Governors, and UNC-Chapel Hill are making history. UNC is the first state university system in the … Continue reading “At UNC, More Good News on Free Expression”

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