We know we will have fewer resources. We also know there are many critical issues in society - welfare, diversity changing roles for women in families, an aging society and youth violence. The list is formidable, and it relates to our agenda. In the coming months, we will be immersed in a planning process to identify priorities and strategies to be the best we can be. Those programs must reflect the needs of individuals and families, reflect the context of society as represented in the above issues, and have a contemporary and forward look.
Excellence is the byword.
Also, the accolades of prestige within higher education are essential to acquisition of resources to provide programs - academic, extension, outreach, research and creative. Unfortunately, there have been very few Nobel prizes to those who work with the most basic of human problems. Mother Theresa is one example who comes to mind. Many years ago Fritz Capra expressed concern with a society that rewards technology and science when the science does not contribute to sustainability and when it causes deterioration in the environment. He saw science and technology as tools which improve our lives but also do harm in our lives.