FDU, and indeed all educational institutions, will have to closely monitor advances in technology and seize the advantages when prudent, Adams believes. One development he says is critical is distance learning, which has aroused some controversy because it doesn't feature a teacher and a student in the same location. I believe we must be heavily involved in distance learning because there are populations of students whose lives will be transformed because of it. While the definition of education may be altered and the tools for education may be new, there are some fundamental lessons that are constant. Part of our obligation as a university and in the creation of educated persons is to make sure they understand they can improve the world.
Higher education is the business of improving and changing the world.
The reality is that if you can touch a life you can change it. And we have an obligation to extend our reach. While Adams' reach is extensive, he always has a focus on his family life. His wife, the former Susan Halstead, is a professional in the financial planning industry, and the couple has three children and two grandchildren. We recognize this is a special situation, and we are the beneficiaries of Frank and Gail Mertz's contributions.