DEAR SESP COMMUNITY,

In 2021, then–US Senate candidate JD Vance outlined his vision for higher education, telling the audience at the National Conservatism Conference that “we have to honestly and aggressively attack the universities in this country.”

He ended his speech by saying there was wisdom in Richard Nixon’s decades-old quote that “the professors are the enemy.” This portrayal of universities is deeply troubling—and an aberrant reading of what universities, and their community members, are. And even as I write this, I must ask myself if doing so will endanger me, SESP, or Northwestern.

As the dean of one of the world’s most respected schools of education, I want to say the obvious: Institutions of higher education, and the faculty, students, and staff within them, are not the enemy. SESP exemplifies what higher education is meant to be: a community dedicated to learning, challenging ideas, and finding better solutions for society. SESP and its students, staff, and faculty give me hope about the world and our future.

Here we hold a variety of viewpoints. But what unites us is a shared commitment to our students and to making the world a better place. Our faculty members —many of whom are renowned experts— are among the best in their fields and disciplines.

They include fellows of prestigious academies and award recipients who conduct research that improves lives and communities. Their work often goes unnoticed, but it touches nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Our faculty have advised presidential administrations on economic issues, shaped state and federal education policy, and worked on initiatives that improve the value they provide.

This magazine is a small attempt to share the positive impact of our work. education, health, and societal well-being. Their research spans a wide range of topics, from the impact of fake news to the science of human relationships and cognitive development.

And our alumni are leaders in a wide range of fields. They are journalists, CEOs, lawyers, stay-at-home parents, teachers, reporters, and entrepreneurs who understand the power of people and possibility.

The contributions of higher education are often invisible, but they are essential. Thanks to universities, our roads are safer, our air and water are cleaner, and our children are smarter. Universities have developed medical advancements, provided us with great literature, and formulated policies that tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues. It is not hyperbolic to suggest that much that’s taken for granted in our daily lives is made better because of what higher education inspires, produces, and creates.

Unfortunately, universities haven’t always been effective at communicating So my request to you is this: When people criticize universities, ask them what they don’t like. Listen. And help them understand the incredible individual and societal benefits of a robust system of higher education. And let us know: How did it help you?

Thank you for your continued engagement, enthusiasm, and support of SESP. Every day I feel lucky to be part of this extraordinary school and university.

Warmly,

Bryan