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Higher Education Is Broken... This is How We Fix It | Ryan Streeter

Nov 19, 2024

Join Ryan Streeter, Director of the Civitas Institute at the University of Texas, as he tackles the pressing issues in higher education. He highlights the growing interest in multidisciplinary approaches to combat political monoculture. Streeter also discusses the rising student loan debt and the commercialization of university research. The conversation reveals the need for ethical leadership and practical education that focuses on real-world skills, as well as the disconnect between elite narratives and the everyday concerns of working-class Americans.

01:49:14

Episode guests

Ryan Streeter

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Think tanks like the Civitas Institute play an essential role in shaping public policy through research and expert insights on education reform.

The reliance on young and inexperienced policymakers in Washington highlights the necessity for seasoned scholars to illuminate complex issues.

Rising tuition costs and student debt emphasize the need for innovative funding models, such as income share agreements, to alleviate financial burdens.

A disconnect persists between elite perspectives and working-class optimism regarding upward mobility, underscoring the importance of embracing diverse societal viewpoints.

Deep dives

The Role of Think Tanks in Policy Formation

Think tanks play a critical role in shaping public policy by conducting research and providing insights that influence politicians and the media. They serve as platforms for experts to develop and share their ideas on issues such as tax policy and education reform. The American Enterprise Institute, for example, encourages independence among its scholars, allowing diverse viewpoints and promoting rigorous debate. This independence contrasts with more politically-driven think tanks, illustrating the variance in how these organizations operate and exert influence.

Intro

2min

Think Tanks: Power Players in Policy-Making

5min

Streamlining Content Creation and Understanding War Games

4min

Crisis Decision-Making in Hurricane Katrina

8min

Reforming Higher Education: Challenges and Innovations

23min

The Cost of Education: Value vs. Debt

24min

Bridging Perspectives: Socio-Economic Divides in America

21min

Navigating Policy and Media

4min

Exploring Perspectives: Optimism vs. Pessimism

10min

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In this weeks episode Codie interviews Ryan Streeter, director of the Civitas Institute at the University of Texas. They discuss the role of think tanks in shaping policy, the importance of war games in decision-making, and the current state of higher education. Streeter shares insights on the creation of the Civitas Institute, aimed at reclaiming the principles of a free society within academia, and the growing interest in multidisciplinary education that counters the political monoculture prevalent in many universities today. The conversation delves into the pressing issues surrounding student loan debt, the need for reform in university funding, and the commercialization of university research. It discusses the value of a university education, the role of MBAs, and the importance of building ethical organizations. The dialogue also emphasizes the need for students and parents to navigate college choices carefully in today's complex educational landscape. In this conversation, the speaker discusses various themes surrounding voter motivations, economic concerns, the reliability of polls, education policy, and the prevailing optimism among working-class Americans. The dialogue highlights the disconnect between elite narratives and the sentiments of ordinary citizens, particularly regarding public safety, economic issues, and the impact of media narratives on perceptions of the American dream. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating survey data and understanding the broader context of political discussions.

Here are the studies Ryan and Codie mentioned: