Michigan's president emeritus speaks at Faculty Senate 'special meeting'

by Jessica Howard

The president emeritus of the University of Michigan cautioned against the "Harvardization" of higher education, and encouraged universities to rethink the role of college athletics in his address to a special called Faculty Senate Meeting Jan. 11.

James J. Duderstadt, University Professor of Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan, discussed the future role of universities, stating that universities in the last half of the 20th century had adopted the philosophy of spending "more and more on fewer and fewer." He said this model of thinking must be changed to ensure any university's long-term standing.

Among those attending the lunch meeting in the Rotunda Room of the Wyatt Center were Chancellor Gordon Gee, approximately 40 faculty members and Duderstadt's wife Anne. Duderstadt was originally scheduled to speak at the September 2001 Faculty Senate meeting, but due to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the subsequent airport closings, the event was rescheduled.

"Dr. Duderstadt's presentation to the Faculty Senate was wide-ranging, thoughtful and thought-provoking," said James F. Blumstein, chair of the Faculty Senate, who also serves as Centennial Professor of Law, professor of law and director of the Heath Policy Center at VIPPS.

Duderstadt, who is also director of the Millennium Project, a research center at the University of Michigan concerned with the impact of technology on research and teaching, discussed broad issues confronting universities and challenges facing Vanderbilt -- both in academics and athletics -- and relayed his experiences at Michigan. While president at Michigan (1988-1996), Duderstadt and Gee -- then President of Ohio State University (1990-1997) -- became friendly "Big Ten" rivals.

A renaissance of higher education is essential to accommodate the changing face of national educational needs of the adult population and the digital generation, Duderstadt said. He also noted the importance for universities to focus on those whom they are serving and to become learning-centered institutions.

"Dr. Duderstadt's extensive background and expertise have given him a perspective on issues related to higher education that is very special," said Blumstein. "His appearance at Vanderbilt and his presentation to the Faculty Senate provided an excellent opportunity for faculty and administrators to engage in an active exchange of ideas with him. His visit to campus is a further step in the evolving partnership between the Faculty Senate and the administration in the area of academic planning."

Vanderbilt's current state of athletics was addressed briefly. Duderstadt said the public's demand for athletic entertainment should not be a university's obligation. He also suggested that higher education institutions across the country should re-evaluate collegiate athletics, and its role in higher education.

Following his speech, Duderstadt fielded attendees' questions in an open discussion. Questions were asked on subjects including the tenure of faculty members, ways to increase diversity and the future of graduate education.

"Diversity and academics are intimately linked together," he said, suggesting that in some cases, creative solutions to problems concerning the topic of diversity are needed.

He added, "The future is increasingly dependent on people not money. If you let the marketplace define the value, you lose."

Duderstadt graduated with highest honors from Yale University in 1964 and received a doctorate in engineering science and physics from the California Institute of Technology in 1967. He joined the faculty of the University of Michigan in 1968 as professor of nuclear engineering and became dean of the College of Engineering in 1981, and provost and vice president for academic affairs in 1986.