Honing a Vision for Higher Education

Some of the nation’s most influential leaders in higher education met last week at the Higher Ed Leaders Forum hosted by The New York Times. They discussed an array of issues facing colleges and universities today, including high costs, free speech, addressing the skills gap, using big data and leading in a time of crisis. The excerpts below have been edited. Videos of the full sessions can be found online at www.nythigheredleaders.com.