HigherEd Series: What Is Higher Education For? with Michael Roth of Wesleyan University

Michael S. Roth ’78 became Wesleyan University’s 16th President in 2007. An intellectual historian, author, and curator, he continues to teach undergraduates while advancing liberal education, accessibility, and diversity. His books include Beyond the University (2014), Safe Enough Spaces (2019), and The Student (2023).

Hosted by Matthew Rascoff
This episode is part of the Edtech Insiders HigherEd Podcast Series, featuring conversations with leaders shaping the future of higher education.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode

1. The purpose and value of higher education
2. Why liberal education still matters
3. Expanding access to college-level learning
4. Lessons from leading Wesleyan
5. Why growth shouldn’t come at the expense of quality

✨ Episode Highlights
[00:02:02] Roth on teaching while serving as president
[00:09:37] Education as a force for change
[00:23:21] “Do what works” in education
[00:37:31] From professor to university president
[00:56:23] Scaling higher education without losing quality

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🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

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