Higher Education and the New Economy: Crisis or Opportunity? - Video

Dr. Robert N. Shelton became the 19th president of the University of Arizona when he began his appointment on July 1, 2006. He affirmed the need for new funding models and rearranging the income structure to help secure the future of "robust" universities. He also noted that supporters of education must become proactive, informing their families, peers and elected officials of the need for public higher education. February 18, 2010.

Ronald W. Marx is Professor of Educational Psychology and Dean of Education at the University of Arizona. His presentation discussed how certain structures and practices within public higher education must change, and quickly, if the nation's institutions are to be economically sustainable while staying true to their core missions. Marx said the funding structure that has long sustained higher education must shift; the level of state support that public institutions enjoyed more than 30 years ago would never return. "We have to figure out how to move forward," Marx said. "We need to look through the front of the windshield of our vehicle rather than in the rear view mirror." Joaquin Ruiz is Dean, College of Science and Professor, Geochemistry. His research focuses on the use of radiogenic and heavy stable isotopes to study the evolution of the crust and mantle through time, the genesis of ore deposits, paleogeography, and environmental and archeological problems. Ruiz said the true mission of "state-aided" universities like the UA and also of his own college should be to "allow undergraduate students access to our research," Ruiz said. This must occur while institutions continue working to "help change the ways in which we live," he added. "We must take this incredibly seriously." January 28, 2010.