The Academy in Crisis: Perspectives on Today's Challenges American Higher Education

This work presents a variety of voices from higher education who recognize the crisis within the academy. What once was a system that was the cornerstone of social mobility, intellectual freedom, and democratic engagement has become a system in crisis. What once was regarded as a pathway to opportunity now faces scrutiny as students, educators, and society question the value, purpose, and future of higher education. The voices in this collection offer insights into the challenges that higher education is facing by asking us to examine the purpose of higher education. Is the primary purpose to create a citizenry for the workforce? Is it a catalyst for social equity and transformation? Should higher education embrace capitalism and reject its historical traditions? This collection strives to engender discussions that will repair a system in crisis.