More Than Harvard: Building a Great Public University in Northeast Ohio

Elite universities and colleges are great for a region’s ego, but they cannot meet the needs of regional economies. To compete in the 21st century, Northeast Ohio needs a well-educated general workforce, research that supports local industries and businesses, and an avenue for social mobility and the achievement of the American Dream. Super-selective, rankings-minded institutions cannot meet that mandate, but a great public university with strong regional support can deliver those results and more.

Scott L. Scarborough, president of The University of Akron, draws upon his decades of experience in both the private sector and higher education to discuss how and why a truly great public university must emerge in Northeast Ohio.

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