Governing with Purpose Session 1: Safeguarding the Hallmarks of American Higher Education

Two defining hallmarks have long distinguished American higher education: institutional diversity and autonomy. Rather than a single centralized model, the U.S. system includes a wide range of public, private, nonprofit, faith-based, research, regional, community, and mission-driven institutions with the independence to pursue distinct missions. Together, these hallmarks have enabled colleges and universities to serve varied students, advance knowledge, strengthen democracy, and contribute to the nation’s economic prosperity.