South Dakota campaign finance curbs face a skeptical judge

In 1796, President George Washington emphasized the importance of education for national unity, proposing the establishment of a national university and military academy in his eighth address to Congress. His vision reflected a belief that education was essential to the nation’s future success. Over two centuries later, higher education remains critical to driving economic growth, innovation, and social progress. As a faculty of Educational Policy Studies who studies leadership in higher education, I believe it is crucial to evaluate the contributions of presidents to higher education and identify opportunities for President Trump’s administration to build on this legacy by broadening access to higher education, ensuring that more Americans can benefit from its transformative power—an investment vital to the nation’s future.

The early leaders who founded the United States recognized the critical role of higher education in strengthening the nation. Leaders like George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson played pivotal roles in shaping a higher education system designed to meet the country's strategic needs. Although George Washington lacked a formal college education, he valued education, science, and government training as essential tools for preparing future leaders. John Adams viewed higher education as fundamental to sustaining liberty and good governance. His contributions to the Massachusetts Constitution emphasized the establishment of academies and universities, laying the groundwork for expanding access to education and influencing the development of state universities. Thomas Jefferson further advanced this vision by founding the University of Virginia. He sought to make liberal arts education more accessible and freer from religious influence. Jefferson introduced an innovative curriculum that included law, medicine, science, and the humanities, reflecting his belief in education as a pillar of democracy.