The Public University

As I think about my research paper on the rising costs of higher education, I’m reminded of the anniversary of the Morrill Act and ceremony commemorating this legislation that occurred in DC in late June this summer.  Public university Presidents from around the country, including Ohio State's own President Gee, came to the nations capital to pay tribute to the pioneering legislation that made the universities they lead possible.  The event ended with a closing ceremony fittingly outside the Lincoln Memorial.

With Presdent Gee and Vice President of Government Affairs Dick Stoddard at the Lincoln Memorial

The Morrill Act, named after the legislation’s author, Justin Morrill, was signed by President Lincoln in 1862 as the nation was in the midst of Civil War.

Some argue that this legislation was the most important in our nation’s history; it created land grant colleges – Ohio State included – that would educate people in agriculture, home economics, mechanical arts, and other professions that were practical at the time.  This legislation helped create the robust higher education system that we enjoy in America today.

Lincoln and Morrill Towers, OSU

While the future of public and land grant institutions is uncertain in the wake of decreased state funding and other concerns, it gives one perspective to look back at how public universities have evolved throughout the years.  Public universities grew not only in size, through legislation such as the GI Bill and others, but also in importance, notably during the Cold War when research in science and technology was of utmost importance.

Today, higher education in America is defined by a now over $1 trillion student loan debt crisis, partly due to substantial increases in tuition.  Ohio State leasing of parking assets and the firing (and re-hiring) of University of Virginia’s President Sullivan underscores the tone some public universities have during current times – in order to remain relevant and maintain excellence, change must happen.  Whether that change is for better or worse for public universities remains to be seen.

UVA President Teresa Sullivan

Ohio State Parking asset

  

- Kevin Arndt