The Future of Higher Education

Thu, May 8, 2025

6:30 PM–8:00 PM

Hybrid event. Proshansky Auditorium at the CUNY Graduate Center and online via livestream. Free and open to all. Registration required.

Higher education is at a crossroads — while crucial to the health of our democracy and society, it faces an uncertain and contested future. At this pivotal moment, distinguished leaders and scholars at public universities and institutions come together in a provocative conversation. Our panel of experts considers important questions, such as: Does the promise of higher education for the public good remain the top priority? How can we balance the commitment to a liberal arts and sciences education while also supporting preparedness for the workplace? How can institutions foster academic freedom, equity, and opportunity for all? Join us for a bold, substantive discussion about public education and its futures.

Featuring Nancy Cantor, president of Hunter College, CUNY; Cathy N. Davidson, distinguished professor at the CUNY Graduate Center, founder of the Futures Initiative, and special advisor to the CUNY chancellor; William P. Kelly, president emeritus of the CUNY Graduate Center and former director of NYPL Research Libraries; Shelly Lowe, chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities; and Maurice Wallace, professor of English at Rutgers University. Moderated by Shelly Eversley, professor of English at Baruch College and the CUNY Graduate Center, and faculty co-chair of the Futures Initiative.

This event is presented by by Public Programs with the Futures Initiative and organized in celebration of its 10th anniversary. Co-presented with the Center for the Humanities at the CUNY Graduate Center.

Please contact Jimmy Cok at [email protected] in advance for CART services or any additional accessibility requests or concerns for in-person events. This event will be livestreamed, and closed captions will be provided.