The Future of Higher Education Symposium - The View From The Top

COVID-19 cases have stabilized for now at Texas Tech University and Texas State University and respective chancellors Dr. Tedd Mitchell and Brian McCall are breathing a sigh of relief. Mitchell, a medical doctor, contracted the virus himself in early October and experienced mild symptoms. Now, the two leaders are thinking about the challenges that lie ahead during the spring semester.

The chancellors spoke to Matthew Watkins, the Texas Tribune’s managing editor for news and politics, about tough choices they’ve been forced to make to manage increased costs associated with the pandemic without traditional revenue streams like room and board.

Mitchell said higher education was already heading toward more online offerings, but the pandemic sped up that process. Both chancellors agreed there are benefits to improving and expanding online courses, even though the in-person experience is lost. But both also said students who need access to higher education the most could be left behind without improvements to statewide broadband service. That’s just one of a few points they’re preparing to make to lawmakers next legislative session as they make plans to argue why higher education should be prioritized during a session in which money will be tight. — Kate McGee

This session is supported by The University of Arizona, TEXAS 2036 and McCombs School of Business-University of Texas.