stimulant

But she seems excited about changing higher education [for the better]:

“Is it fine that college tuition has outpaced inflation?” she asked in a National Press Club speech. “Is it fine that only half our students graduate on time? Is it fine that students often graduate so saddled with debt that they can’t buy a home or start a family? None of this seems fine to me.”

A funny criticism:

“The American Association of University Professors says the emerging vision of higher education is only a marketplace, focused on outcomes and skills. Developing a love of learning and civic virtues, the group says, ‘are marginalized to the point of irrelevance.’”

I certainly share their qualms: it does seem that Spelling is looking to commodify education further. But complaining that, “Developing a love of learning and civic virtues, the group says, ‘are marginalized to the point of irrelevance.’” rings hollow, given what college already is.

Mostly, it’s exciting that a receptive, pro-active official is looking to change the way higher education works.