Where Are They Now: A Look at America’s Next Generation Universities

Of the 11.6 million jobs created after the Great Recession, 95% of those went to those with at least some college education. As the college degree remains critical to national and individual economic mobility, public research universities are stepping up to help America regain its educational edge. Universities are redesigning their campuses to expand access to high-quality education, increase completion across socioeconomic class, and prepare a new generation of students for a rapidly evolving economy.

In 2013, a New America report described these universities as “Next Generation Universities,” public universities serving large numbers of students across the socioeconomic spectrum, who are using innovative practices to serve more students while also improving outcomes for students. So, three years later how have these universities progressed? What can others learn from this approach as policymakers and higher education leaders consider a new normal in higher education?

On Thursday, January 12, guests learned how these universities continue to redefine public higher education three years later, and collaborate with their peers along the way.

Welcome provided by Anne-Marie Slaughter, President and CEO, New America.

Panel Discussion: Defining Next Generation Universities: Why a New Model Matters for the Completion Agenda featuring Hilary Pennington, Vice President of Education, Creativity and Free Expression, Ford Foundation; Tina Gridiron, Strategy Director, Lumina Foundation; Alison Griffin, Senior Vice President of External and Government Relations, USA Funds; and, Kevin Carey, Director, Education Policy Program, New America. Moderated by David Leonhardt, Columnist, New York Times.

Deep Dive Session #1: How the University Innovation Alliance is Accelerating the Spread of Next Generation University Ideas featuring Bridget Burns, Executive Director, University Innovation Alliance.

Deep Dive Session #2: Where Are They Now: Next Generation Universities in Action featuring Michael M. Crow, President, Arizona State University; Mark P. Becker, President, Georgia State University; John C. Hitt, President, University of Central Florida; and, Steven Leath, President, Iowa State University. Moderated by Bridget Burns, Executive Director, University Innovation Alliance.

Deep Dive Session #3: What's Next: A Next Generation University’s Contribution to the Field featuring  Tim Renick, Vice Provost and Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success, Georgia State University.