In a series of tweets, State System of Higher Education Chancellor Dan Greenstein this weekend summed up his tour of all fourteen state-owned universities, saying they fueled his optimism, pride, and belief in the future of higher education in Pennsylvania and across the nation.
Greenstein says that in 35 working days, he’s driven 2,400 miles visiting the State System schools and he’s concluded that the power and promise of public higher education is “as enormous as it is unappreciated.” He’s impressed with the students who rely on affordable pathways to sustaining careers and speak eloquently about issues of race and class. He also touts the faculty and staff at the universities, saying they are creative, committed to students, and resilient.
The chancellor also reacted this week on a podcast about how the costs of a university education beyond tuition are dramatically higher than they should be, saying it “demonstrates that the conversation…is no longer simply about reducing textbook costs for students (but) also involve(s) serious issues of equity and attainment”.
The podcast Greenstein refers to is by EdSurge, which bills itself as “an independent education technology information resource and community.” He also references another EdSurge article, about the potential for abuse in the online education market. Greenstein says …”this is not the time for amateur hour in online learning.”
