When Arizona State University President Michael Crow spoke at the Student Union Memorial Center on Thursday, every seat was taken. He addressed UA students, faculty, staff and local community members about issues in higher education.
“”Higher education is facing an unprecedented economic crisis. The nationwide economic recession has left many state budgets in an upheaval and has severely impacted institutions of higher education across the United States,”” according to a UA press release about the lecture series.
Crow had the crowd laughing, and many audience members found the talk inspiring.
“”I think it was very impressive. He came with solutions,”” said UA higher education graduate student Arlene Benavidez.
Crow talked about excellence, access and impact at the last higher education colloquium of the semester.
Some had concerns about the attainability of the solutions and goals presented.
“”It’s a very inspiring presentation, and I’m glad we have a university working towards those needs,”” said Patrick Bryan, who works in Early Academic Outreach at the UA. “”While it’s inspiring to see it, I just hope they are successful in doing that.””
Crow talked about how ASU remains focused on its vision during troubling times in education.
“”The vision is what you wish you could be, what you hope to be,”” Crow said. “”In our case we are trying to establish ASU as the model of this new American university.””
The speech did not present a negative outlook on the future of higher education, but instead focused on how ASU can grow and change to meet challenges.
“”It’s either adapt or fail,”” Crow said.
Striving to get more and more applicants while knowing you will only accept the same number each year in order to achieve a low acceptance rate is a “”cruel game,”” according to Crow.
He said ASU wants to be measured on what they produce, not by who they leave out.
“”The one thing we have really tried to do at ASU is change our perception of change,”” Crow said.
ASU strives to focus on the individual and give a college opportunity for those who are qualified, he said in the speech.
“”It will be as if they were able to go to one of those high-priced, inaccessible universities,”” Crow said.
“”We are trying to make sure we have unbelievable impact in Arizona.””
