Book Review | Publicly Engaged Scholars: Next Generation Engagement and the Future of Higher Education

Publicly Engaged Scholars: Next Generation Engagement and the Future of Higher Education. Edited by Margaret A. Post, Elaine Ward, Nicholas V. Longo, & John Saltmarsh. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing. 2016. ISBN: 978-1-62036- 264-8. 286 pp. Paperback, $35.

The purpose of higher education in the U.S. is rooted in developing an educated citizenry to strengthen democracy. However, this appreciation of higher education as a public good is eroding. The shift in society’s perception of higher education as a private good has led to a decrease in funding for higher education and an increase in student debt. Consequently, this has narrowed access to higher education and heightened students’ and parents’ expectations about the college experience and outcomes. If such trends continue, the public purposes of higher education will be lost. The civic purposes of higher education must be renewed to build a stronger democracy. Fortunately, there are scholars, practitioners, community colleagues, administrators, and students who are committed to addressing public problems through knowledge generation and practical application. They are publicly engaged scholars.