Gordon Gee

I believe that it is higher education's purpose and calling to keep open the door to the American dream.

To be sure, American higher education is a diverse ecosystem, comprising institutions of all sizes, price tags, and mission statements.

So if a college education is indispensable, the challenge as I see it is how to make it more accessible.

The arts, quite simply, nourish the soul. They sustain, comfort, inspire. There is nothing like that exquisite moment when you first discover the beauty of connecting with others in celebration of larger ideals and shared wisdom.

I often have said that to be a college president, you need a thick skin, a good sense of humor, and nerves like sewer pipes.

I tend to deal with most issues with humor... always have and always will.