The Way I See It: President Obama’s first 100 days

Editor’s note: Linda Thrane, vice president for Public Affairs, was among several Houston-area leaders asked by Opportunity Houston magazine to write about what they hoped to see in the first 100 days of President Barack Obama’s administration. Her commentary appeared in the spring issue of the magazine.

Higher education has a timeframe that runs for generations, from former students who go on to make contributions to their communities and country, to current students and future generations of scholars. So 100 days is just a blink to educators. However, I would ask the Obama administration to do two things. First, confront the growing hostility to colleges and universities that has developed in our nation’s Capitol over the past few years and take a stand in support of higher education and what it contributes to this country. The United States has the best higher education system in the world, and the resulting education and research will fuel the country’s economy and human well-being now and in the future. Second, restore investments in higher education and research, which are paid back many times and, while not always “shovel ready,” are indeed the building blocks of a better future.

— “The Way I See It” is a special guest column written by faculty, staff and students at the invitation of the Rice News.