President Obama Cites Need to Restore U.S. Leadership in Higher Education; Names Three BHEF Member-Led Universities for Cost-Controlling Efforts
Calls on all college and university presidents to follow their example
Contact: Pamela Lessard 202-367-1284, Alex Sittig 202-367-2393
Washington, DC (August 10, 2010) — During a major speech outlining his administration’s plans to restore U.S. leadership in higher education and degree attainment, President Obama cited three Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) members’ organizations for their stellar efforts in controlling higher-education costs, which he cited as a key component in making college more affordable.
In his speech yesterday at the University of Texas at Austin, the president mentioned the University of Maryland, Cornell University, and the University of North Carolina (UNC) as leaders in containing costs, and challenged every college president to do the same. BHEF Vice Chairman William E. Kirwan, II, is the chancellor of the University System of Maryland; BHEF’s immediate past chairman, David J. Skorton, is president of Cornell; and BHEF member Erskine Bowles is president of the UNC system.
“Part of the responsibility for controlling these costs falls on our colleges and universities. Some of them are stepping up. Public institutions like the University of Maryland, University of North Carolina, some private institutions like Cornell, they’re all finding ways to combat rising tuition without compromising on quality,” President Obama said. “I want to challenge every university and college president to get a handle on spiraling costs.”
BHEF addresses education issues fundamental to the nation’s ability to compete globally by working to improve student achievement and readiness for success in college and work; and by strengthening our national capacity in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). BHEF currently has two major initiatives creating solutions in these areas – one focused on college/work readiness, access and success, and a second promoting America’s leadership in STEM.
“We are pleased that the president understands the crucial importance of restoring U.S. leadership in higher education,” says BHEF Executive Director Brian K. Fitzgerald. “Our members are leaders in helping this goal come to fruition and stand ready to work with the president and his administration to make college more accessible and affordable for America’s youth, and to ensure that more of our students graduate on time and ready to succeed in careers.”
About the Business-Higher Education Forum
BHEF brings together a coalition of corporate, academic, and foundation chief executives who provide leadership to improve U.S education and competitiveness. Learn more at www.bhef.com.
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