Michael Benson was just inaugurated as President of @WestVirginiaU.  It was a wonderful ceremony and great celebration for the University.

My daughter, Rebekah, was on @GMA talking about the loss of her Mother to breast cancer and how it inspired her to become an MD and focus on women’s health. Proud Dad abcnews.com/video/137190090/

I had the privilege of speaking at the School of Public Affairs' 50th anniversary at @UUtah.  Terrific, distinctive program.

I spent two wonderful days at @ASU's Emerging Futures Studio talking with an invited group of higher education leaders about designing the university of the future. We identified many creative ideas and will now look for opportunities to experiment at selected institutions.

A university should make room for curiosity, including curiosity about its own future. I enjoyed reading this week’s Canary report with that in mind. legend-labs.read.axioshq.com…

A great first step.

My colleagues @StephenMGavazzi and @DavidRosowsky and I are at @OhioState celebrating the Land-Grant Act.

Today we lost an American Treasure with the death of Dolly Parton. She represented the higher angels of our country by exuding kindness and the positive power of caring about and working to make life better for millions. She was a gift to us all. Now, rest in peace knowing that the world is better because of your presence!

It is a privilege to talk about higher education and the challenges and opportunities facing Land-Grant Universities. Betsy Cantwell, President of Washington State University, is a true leader in reimagining the Land-Grant University and managing change. We had a wonderful conversation. youtu.be/5yPCKyBp5qQ

I had a lovely dinner Saturday evening with Senator Shelley Moore Capito, her husband Charlie and a few other close friends. She has been a critical leader in getting the Protect College Sports Act closer to passage in the Senate.

Martha Ingram served as Chair of the Vanderbilt Board of Trust during my tenure as Chancellor. She was a caring, committed and elegant leader who, with her time and treasure, helped to transform Vanderbilt and the Nashville community. My admiration for her knows no bounds.

A timely read on one of the most important debates facing higher education -- the future role of universities in American research. The latest Canary Report from Legend Labs offers a thoughtful look at the White House’s proposed overhaul of the nation’s research system. legend-labs.read.axioshq.com…

There has been much debate about the @VanderbiltU/@WashU report on bias in academia. This piece is yet another interesting take. thehill.com/opinion/educatio…

This article points out that, where the vast majority of students are being educated in regional public universities, the headline controversies are limited at best. washingtonmonthly.com/2026/0…

It is a glorious time to be an American. On this Fourth of July, I am thinking about the remarkable endurance of our Constitution and our Republic. For nearly 250 years, they have sustained us through uncertainty, disagreement, sacrifice, and renewal. Today reminds us that there is far more that can unite us than divide us. If we keep faith with one another, celebrate ambition, and hold fast to our best vision for the future, America will continue to thrive. I am grateful for the privilege of serving, working, and walking alongside so many people I cherish. Happy 4th of July!!

I had the privilege of being on a panel speaking to a large group of university presidents about the power of the 4-H movement. Grateful to @APLU_News for the opportunity.

I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Wood during my time as president of Brown University. Despite his immense distinction, he was a humble and deeply thoughtful human being. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, much of what we know about the nation’s founding era rests on Gordon Wood's extraordinary scholarship.

It has been nearly a year since I “retired,” and I promised Dr. Benson that I would go into hibernation.  After a year, yesterday was my first time at a public event on campus.  How about that baseball team.  Let’s Go!