Presidential Speaker Series sparks dialogue on higher education, civil discourse

Weeks after its debut, Michigan State University’s Presidential Speaker Series is already doing what it set out to do: spark ongoing conversation about the role of higher education in a divided world.

The March 17 event at the Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre brought national leaders in higher education and public policy to campus for a wide-ranging discussion on “The Future of Higher Education,” launching what President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., first envisioned at his 2024 investiture as a forum for civil, evidence-based dialogue across differences.

The inaugural panel featured Richard Burr, principal policy advisor at DLA Piper and former U.S. senator; Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education; and Margaret Spellings, president and CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center. Former Michigan governors James Blanchard and John Engler helped open the evening, reinforcing its bipartisan tone.

Introducing the event, Ann Austin, University Distinguished Professor in the College of Education, framed the series as an opportunity to model “constructive dialogue across differences,” a goal that carried throughout the discussion.

Panelists tackled complex issues, including public trust in higher education, academic freedom, student success and the pressures shaping the future of universities. While perspectives varied, the tone remained grounded in mutual respect.

Guskiewicz underscored the stakes early in the conversation: “Universities play a unique role in American democracy, as places where ideas are tested, where disagreement is part of learning and where academic freedom is essential.”

The mission to prepare students not only for careers but for civic life emerged as a central theme. Mitchell captured it succinctly: “This is the place where we have to practice,” pointing to campuses as essential environments for students to learn how to engage across differences.

Panelists also emphasized the need for institutions to remain focused on student outcomes and clearly communicate their public value. At the same time, they reinforced the importance of exposing students to a full range of perspectives — because, as Burr noted, “That’s part of the learning experience.”

Regarded as a success by participants and attendees alike, this first event in the speaker series sets the precedent for what we can look forward to from future events: thoughtful, sometimes challenging and always inspiring conversations that reflect MSU’s land-grant mission and commitment to civil discourse.