WXXI News
Alfred University President Mark Zupan says it’s a mistake to attack higher education.
He writes, “A century ago, it would have been folly to invest in an outdated agricultural economy at the expense of the then-roaring manufacturing sector. It’s just as foolhardy today to attempt to resuscitate a manufacturing sector that’s been in decline for half a century when knowledge-based services power today’s global economy and the labor market is undergoing dramatic changes brought on by advanced technology, artificial intelligence and automation.”
We discuss how Zupan sees the future of work and universities’ role in that equation.
Our guest:
- Mark Zupan, president of Alfred University
*Note: Additional op-eds by Zupan are available here:
- “The value of openness in enriching nations” (Oct. 19, 2025, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle)
- “Erie Canal put city and state on the map” (Sept. 28, 2025, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle)
- “Why Hurting Universities Hurts America’s Bottom Line” (Aug. 28, 2025, US News & World Report)
- “Why ‘why?’ is how we should start more questions” (Aug. 24, 2025, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle)
- “The Power of our Ellis Islands” (July 27, 2025, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle)
- “What's better than gold for economies? Human capital” (June 22, 2025, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle)
- “Constructive Engagement” (June 6, 2025, Inside Higher Ed)
- “Why America should invest in national success” (May 11, 2025, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle)
