Newswise — Two university presidents " one leading a major public research institution, the other a retired leader from a major private school " will confront and discuss higher education's immense challenges during the nation's economic crisis and the very moment when they have a vital role to play in the recovery.
The program, part of the ongoing "American Conversations" series created by former U.S. Archivist Allen Weinstein, is now based at the University of Maryland. Weinstein is a new visiting professor at Maryland's iSchool, its College of Information Studies.
"Our speakers are the top two public and private university presidents in the nation and have played critical, yet under-appreciated roles in our future," says Allen Weinstein, the discussion moderator who served as the ninth U.S. Archivist and is a distinguished historian. "I've seen government and higher education from the inside " as archivist from very close range. University presidents must steer lumbering institutions that have a tremendous impact on our future. Especially during the current financial crisis, their educational research efforts will help determine the nation's future prosperity."
University of Maryland president C.D. Mote, Jr. and Stephen Joel Trachtenberg, president Emeritus of George Washington University will discuss the challenges of "Leading a Major Public and Private University: 2009," including the similarities and differences faced by leaders of public and private institutions.
"Universities have a mighty role in helping create jobs that currently do not exist, and in companies that do not exist today," says Dan Mote, one of the participants. "The highly-educated, scientifically and technically prepared people graduating from our universities will create those jobs and those companies." Mote adds that he welcomes the chance to engage Trachtenberg, Weinstein and the audience.
FORMAT
Weinstein will moderate the discussion. Audience questions will represent about 50 percent of the time. The format will be media-friendly. An audience of more than 100 drawn from the university community and the general public is expected.
WHEN: Thursday, March 26, 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m.WHERE: Oren Hall, Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center, University of Maryland, College Park, Md. Directions/Parking: http://www.riggs.umd.edu/map.html
FUTURE PROGRAMS
Weinstein promises an ambitious and agenda for upcoming "American Conversations dealing in depth with current issues with major media and political figures in Washington, D.C.
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