Good morning, Santa. As you know, for the past few years I've used my annual Christmas letter to the North Pole to update you on the state of higher education-and to underscore how we'd invite you to be helpful to us.
Here's my list for the holidays, Santa. As always, though, thank you for the many gifts we received last year. One of the most important-although not the most desirable-was a great big box filled with reality checks about the state of higher education. When we tore off the wrappings, we pulled out enrollment trends showing continued decline in eligible college-aged students. Next to that was rising costs of operation, from building maintenance to technology. In one corner of the box was a long list of competitors for those of us offering the traditional undergraduate experience. Toward the bottom was an envelope marked "presidential days off/personal time." There was nothing in that.
First, light up our trees with ideas to maintain affordability. Today's student consumer has many options on the education menu, from choosing a traditional campus experience to taking online courses to avoiding college altogether. Those who choose the latter ignore the economic and social benefits of a post-secondary degree; they may not see the value of investing in four or even two years of college. And if the problem is cost or the perception of cost, which it often can be, we need as many good ideas as possible about keeping our doors open.
Next, place some new, creative partnerships in our stockings. It is becoming increasingly difficult for any single institution to be all things to all constituents. Granted, higher education can be resistant to collaboration, but there are hopeful signs, such as making it easier to transfer from two-year to four-year campuses, or expanding academic and co-curricular cooperative programs between institutions. Virginia Wesleyan has dual-degree and early-enrollment partnerships with a variety of colleges, universities, and academies-providing clear benefit to students, saving them time and money, while efficiently expanding our curricular offerings and enrollment appeal.
Christmas trees are beautiful to behold, especially when they represent sustainability and recycling. I make my annual appeal for a healthy environment. The Washington Post in its November 26, 2019, coverage of the ongoing climate crisis notes that "it remains unclear whether world leaders can summon the political will to take the ambitious action scientists say is essential" to ward off "an ever-intensifying cascade of consequences" of global warming. It's time for your intervention, Santa, for no greater gift can be handed down to our children than an environment that will sustain all life on our planet.
Finally, how about a gift of hope to all of higher education that we remain valued and viable? Our industry is changing rapidly, and we presidents are continually making the case that we are vital to the betterment of society. The public is increasingly skeptical, however, that we're worth it. Sadly, some colleges and universities will not survive, yet post-secondary education remains one of our nation's best investments.
I like a parallel used by Michael Crow, president of Arizona State University, when he addresses the cost of higher education. He says that no student should graduate borrowing more than the cost of a fully equipped Honda Civic-which is $29,000. His suggestion is that a $29,000 car depreciates the second it leaves the lot-whereas a college degree with a $29,000 investment will appreciate over a lifetime.
Speaking of vehicles, Santa, I hope that your sleigh remains air-worthy, and will not transition to self-driving technology; that your elves have all had positive performance evaluations this year; and that you have a safe journey across the skies on Christmas Eve.
I close with one suggestion: despite the popularity of "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday," please don't worry that you will be nudged out of our lives. Retail has its ups and downs, but the world will always need you. Your reputation and conduct are, quite simply, unimpeachable.
