Last month, I had the opportunity to take part in “The Liberal Arts in Challenging Times,” a webinar that explored the value of a liberal arts and sciences education and strategies for strengthening it across the higher education sector.

As part of the session, I highlighted key findings from our recent report, Measuring the Economic Value of a Liberal Education, and suggested some ways to conceptualize what a “liberal education” encompasses, its impact on civic engagement and career adaptability, how it can intersect with work-force aligned credentials, and how a liberal arts and sciences experience can be incorporated as a vibrant component of student learning across all disciplines and institution types, from community colleges to large research universities.

Immediately following, Ithaka S+R Managing Director Catharine Hill moderated a panel discussion with a distinguished panel of experts:

  • Andrew Delbanco, president of the Teagle Foundation and the Alexander Hamilton Professor of American Studies at Columbia University
  • Kaye Husbands Fealing, former dean of Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, Georgia Tech
  • Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities

In a lively conversation, they discussed the benefits that a liberal arts and sciences education confers on students, how to counter challenges to the liberal arts, and ways to garner support from policymakers, college and university leadership, and the American public.

If you were unable to join us, I invite you to watch the recording below. I look forward to sharing additional updates as our work in this area continues.