AAC&U president reaffirms higher education's public purpose

Dr. Lynn Pasquerella: 'It's about educating for democracy'

by Michael Rouleau

Willimantic, CT (02/04/2025) — One of the nation's leading advocates for higher education, Dr. Lynn Pasquerella, visited Eastern Connecticut State University on Jan. 30 for a special discussion with students, faculty, and staff. As president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), Pasquerella reaffirmed the vital role of higher education at a time when it faces unprecedented scrutiny in an increasingly polarized society.

"Colleges and universities are facing an existential threat," Pasquerella warned. "For the first time, higher education is no longer viewed as the cornerstone of the American dream but, (in some circles) as the enemy."

This growing skepticism, she said, is forcing institutions to ask fundamental questions: "What is our purpose in higher education? What is our fundamental mission?" Her answer was clear: "It goes back to educating for democracy - preparing students to be engaged citizens at a time when our democracy is so fragile."

Pasquerella's visit followed the AAC&U's 2025 annual meeting in Washington, D.C., which centered on the theme of "reaffirming higher education's public purpose." In his introduction, Eastern President Karim Ismaili called Pasquerella one of the most influential voices in American higher education. He read an excerpt from her writings:

"Given the burgeoning polarization and partisanship that characterize our republic, reaffirming and catalyzing the democratic purposes of higher education is more important than ever. Since our nation's inception, colleges and universities have played a distinctive role in fostering democratic learning, civic education, community engagement, and efforts to bridge divides in the classroom and beyond."

A Connecticut native, Pasquerella is a proud graduate of Quinebaug Valley Community College (now CT State Community College-Quinebaug Valley). Reflecting on her journey, she shared that neither of her parents graduated from high school-her father left at 16 to serve in World War II, while her mother married young during a time when getting married meant leaving school.

Pasquerella turned down a full scholarship to the University of Connecticut to remain home as a caregiver for her mother, choosing instead to attend Quinebaug Valley. "It was the best decision - the only decision - I could have made," she said. "I received a wonderful education there, which positioned me for success in work, citizenship, and life. I am truly grateful."

She later earned degrees from Mount Holyoke College and Brown University, fostering a lifelong commitment to expanding access to higher education regardless of socioeconomic background.

During a Q&A session led by Dean of Arts and Sciences Emily Todd, Pasquerella discussed the value of a public liberal arts education. Beyond career preparation, she emphasized that the liberal arts allow students to "imagine that some of their most fundamentally held beliefs may actually be mistaken."

Acknowledging today's strong emphasis on education as a pathway to employment, she cited Gallup surveys indicating that students also crave meaningful work. "How do we align our commitment to workforce preparation while also helping students lead lives of meaning and purpose?" She pointed to institutions like Eastern, which foster creativity, communication, critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and quantitative literacy, as well-equipped to meet this challenge.

Pasquerella also stressed the role of colleges and universities as "anchor institutions" in their communities, countering the notion of academia as an "ivory tower" disconnected from real-world concerns. "There is widespread mistrust in higher education," she said, "but there isn't mistrust in local institutions - in places like Eastern that are visible and provide service to the community."

When asked about the greatest threats facing higher education, Pasquerella pointed to attacks on academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and democracy itself. "One of the most powerful things we can do is recommit ourselves to a liberal arts education," she said, arguing that the liberal arts cultivate the intellectual and ethical capacities needed to sustain a just society.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding higher education, Pasquerella sees opportunity. "This is a moment to revolutionize and reimagine higher education," she said, encouraging institutions like Eastern to deepen their engagement with local communities. She also advised faculty and staff to combat burnout through self-care and supportive professional networks.

She closed with praise for the current generation of students. "The reason I'm filled with hope and optimism is because I look at students like you and see a chance to move forward in ways we haven't in the past. You demonstrate a level of courage that's been lacking."

However, she cautioned against the dangers of polarization. "We must approach each other with good faith and a willingness to change our minds. Otherwise, we will fail."

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