Our very own Lamar Alexander, current Republican senator, former education secretary, governor and president of UT, joins the liberal media in this week's edition of Newsweek with an argument for reforming higher education to maximize utility, minimize waste and save students some cash in the process.
Alexander opens with the story of American auto companies in their heyday, and how their inability to respond to rising global competition gave way to their dismal situation today. This, he says, parallels our university system, which wastes resources by sticking to a schedule designed for an agrarian society that left the farm long ago, and warns that American universities, currently the best in the world, could go the way of GM if not careful.
Moving to a three-year system, Alexander argues, would do much to save costs for the school and students. It's not for everyone, he says, but should be an option for those motivated by mounting bills and the desire to be done.
What Alexander fails to mention, however, is the effect this would have on UT football --attendance, the recruiting class, donations, etc. Talk about missing the forest for the trees....
Would you opt/have opted for a three-year track, given the chance?
Alexander opens with the story of American auto companies in their heyday, and how their inability to respond to rising global competition gave way to their dismal situation today. This, he says, parallels our university system, which wastes resources by sticking to a schedule designed for an agrarian society that left the farm long ago, and warns that American universities, currently the best in the world, could go the way of GM if not careful.
Moving to a three-year system, Alexander argues, would do much to save costs for the school and students. It's not for everyone, he says, but should be an option for those motivated by mounting bills and the desire to be done.
What Alexander fails to mention, however, is the effect this would have on UT football --attendance, the recruiting class, donations, etc. Talk about missing the forest for the trees....
Would you opt/have opted for a three-year track, given the chance?
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