The Future of Higher Education

This event was recorded live on May 8, 2025. How can we continue to aim high and think creatively and powerfully about higher education at this historical moment? Six distinguished leaders and scholars at public universities and institutions come together in a provocative conversation to consider important questions, such as: Does the promise of higher education for the public good remain the top priority? How can we balance the commitment to a liberal arts and sciences education while also supporting preparedness for the workplace? And how can universities work towards innovation, academic freedom, equity, and opportunity for all? Join us for a bold, substantive discussion about public education and its futures. Featuring Nancy Cantor, president of Hunter College, CUNY; Cathy N. Davidson, distinguished professor at the CUNY Graduate Center, founder of the Futures Initiative, and special advisor to the CUNY chancellor; William P. Kelly, president emeritus of the CUNY Graduate Center and former director of NYPL Research Libraries; Shelly Lowe, chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities; and Maurice Wallace, associate professor of English at Rutgers University. Moderated by Shelly Eversley, professor of English at Baruch College and the CUNY Graduate Center, and faculty co-chair of the Futures Initiative. Presented with the Futures Initiative and organized in celebration of its 10th anniversary. Co-presented with the Center for the Humanities. For more information about our events, visit: http://www.gc.cuny.edu/public-programs