Ep. 19: Rethinking the Purpose of Higher Education w/ Richard Preiss | Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast

In this episode of Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast, host Chase Hagood sits down with Dr. Richard Preiss, President of the Academic Senate and Associate Professor of English at the University of Utah. Dr. Preiss shares his perspective as a faculty member navigating the evolving role of higher education and how his work challenges traditional assumptions about the purpose, value, and future of the university. Their conversation explores how higher education can move beyond transactional outcomes to focus on intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. From questioning career-centered narratives to examining the role of the humanities in today’s landscape, Dr. Preiss offers thoughtful insights for educators, leaders, and anyone invested in the future of higher education. Learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Studies: https://us.utah.edu