Amidst a growing sense of distrust in formal education, this book argues for re-centering focus on the intent of higher education institutions.

The shift in priorities on the modern college campus has resulted in universities removing tenure and cutting budgets. Perry R. Rettig reconsiders the history and evolution of American higher education and various forms of higher learning, and bridges these historical considerations with the state of contemporary higher education. By exploring the notions of academic freedom, freedom of speech, and academic tenure their purpose, how they have manifested both historically and contemporarily, and possible changes to be made Rettig conceptualizes the evolving societal role of higher education institutions, how these institutions could change in the near future, and what the impact of these changes would mean for the landscape of higher education in America.