The Crossroads Series: A Vital Exploration of Higher Education's Future

Over the next six weeks, I will be publishing a series of 6 articles here on LinkedIn that explore the critical juncture at which Higher Education finds itself. This collection, titled "The Crossroads Series," delves into the challenges, opportunities, and potential futures of American Higher Education in the face of unprecedented threats and pressures for change. As we navigate these turbulent waters, it's worth reflecting on how the lessons of history can inform our path forward. Just as the ancient Greek city-states faced transformative challenges that reshaped their world, so too does Higher Education stand at a pivotal moment that will determine its future course. The parallels are striking, and the stakes are no less high. Below is a synopsis of what is to come in this exploration of Higher Education's modern-day odyssey.

Synopsis of The Crossroads Series: A Vital Exploration of Higher Education's Future

Brandon J. M. Cotton's "The Crossroads Series" offers a timely and crucial examination of the challenges and opportunities facing Higher Education in America today. This collection of six thought-provoking articles provides an in-depth analysis of the sector's current state and potential future, making it essential reading for anyone concerned with the direction of post-secondary education.

Cotton, a compensation consultant and President of Cotton Law, which serves presidents and institutions in Higher Education, brings a wealth of insight to this series. He paints a vivid picture of a sector at a critical juncture, faced with both external pressures and internal challenges that demand immediate attention and action. Like the Greek city-states of old, Higher Education must navigate a complex landscape of competing interests and ideologies.

The series begins by introducing readers to Project 2025, a comprehensive plan that could dramatically reshape American Higher Education. This looming threat, not unlike the Persian invasion that once threatened the Greek way of life, poses significant challenges to the current structure and values of Higher Education. From there, Cotton guides readers through the complex landscape of political lobbying, necessary reforms, and the risks of inaction. He doesn't shy away from addressing the vulnerabilities within the sector, instead advocating for proactive measures to strengthen Higher Education from within.

Throughout the series, Cotton maintains a balanced perspective, acknowledging the need for change while emphasizing the importance of preserving Higher Education's core values and mission. He offers valuable insights into the intricate interplay of politics, public perception, and institutional dynamics that will shape the future of Higher Education. This delicate balance is reminiscent of the diplomacy required in the Delian League, where unity was crucial but individual identities had to be preserved.

The Crossroads Series concludes with a powerful call to action for Higher Education leaders, outlining strategies for spearheading change and leveraging existing resources to navigate these turbulent times. Like the great leaders of ancient Greece, today's Higher Education leaders must demonstrate wisdom, foresight, and courage in the face of daunting challenges.

In this series, we address each of the threatening objectives outlined in Project 2025. The most radical proposal is the complete elimination of the U.S. Department of Education, which would fundamentally alter the federal government's role in education. This seismic shift could be compared to the fall of Athens, reshaping the entire landscape of education governance. The plan also calls for a drastic overhaul of the accreditation system, stripping accreditors of their power to mandate diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, and allowing states to recognize accreditors for federal aid eligibility.

Project 2025 suggests privatizing all federal student lending, eliminating programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and capping indirect costs paid to universities for research. It advocates moving the Office for Civil Rights to the Department of Justice and limiting its enforcement capabilities. The plan proposes winding down area studies programs, reallocating funding to free market-focused international business programs, and eliminating competitive grant programs. Project 2025 also aims to end time-based and occupation-based student loan forgiveness and calls for significant budget cuts in education spending.

The series examines these objectives and their potential impacts on Higher Education, offering insights into how the sector can respond while acknowledging the need for reform. Like the Greek city-states adapting to the changing world of the 5th century BCE, Higher Education must evolve while staying true to its core mission and values.

This series is a must-read for administrators, faculty, policymakers, and anyone with a stake in the future of Higher Education. Cotton's clear, engaging prose and deep understanding of the issues make complex topics accessible and compelling. His analysis provides a roadmap for navigating the challenges ahead, much like how the writings of ancient Greek historians and philosophers continue to guide us today.

The six articles in The Crossroads Series are:

1. The Looming Threat of Project 2025 to Higher Education

2. The Urgency of Lobbying Efforts to Counter Project 2025

3. The Inevitable Winds of Change in Higher Education

4. Bipartisan Appeal and the Risk of Inaction

5. Addressing Vulnerabilities in Higher Education

6. Higher Education Leaders: Spearheading Change from Within

The challenges facing Higher Education today are not unlike those faced by the ancient Greek city-states during the Peloponnesian War. Just as Athens and Sparta found themselves locked in a struggle that would reshape the Hellenic world, Higher Education stands at a crossroads that will determine its future. The sector must navigate treacherous waters, balancing the need for change with the preservation of its core values. Like Odysseus steering his ship between Scylla and Charybdis, Higher Education leaders must chart a course that avoids both the dangers of complacency and the perils of overreaction. The wisdom of Athena and the strength of Hercules may be required, but with strategic thinking and bold action, Higher Education can emerge from this crucible stronger and more relevant than ever. The Crossroads Series aims to be a guiding star in this epic journey.