Cornerstone University President Asserts Colleges and Universities are Failing Our Country, Offers Vision for Reform in Op-Ed
Today, Cornerstone University President Gerson Moreno-Riaño, Ph.D., reached a nationwide audience with his Op-Ed titled “America’s Colleges and Universities Should Teach Market Skills, Not Activism.”
In his article featured on FoxNews.com, Dr. Moreno-Riaño addresses pressing concerns regarding the role of higher education in today’s society and offers a vision for reform, doubling down on the need for critical market skills coupled with moral discernment.
In light of a recent Gallup and Lumina Foundation report showing a decline in public confidence in higher education, Dr. Moreno-Riaño argues that colleges and universities must refocus their efforts on equipping students with practical, industry-ready skills. He highlights the disconnect between academic preparation and workforce demands, citing statistics that reveal a growing sentiment among Americans and business leaders that higher education is failing to prepare graduates for employment.
“Colleges and universities are at a crossroads,” states Dr. Moreno-Riaño. “We must prioritize teaching skills that align with the needs of the job market, ensuring our graduates are well-equipped for success in their careers.”
“This education must also include moral skills that position our students for living a great life characterized by truth, beauty, and goodness,” Dr. Moreno-Riaño adds.
Dr. Moreno-Riaño proposes steps for reform, including integrating industry-specific training into college courses; expanding internship opportunities by creating stronger partnerships with businesses; implementing moral skills educational outcomes for curriculum across all academic majors; and instituting a service requirement connected to moral skills outcomes.
“We need a renewed commitment to preparing students not only for jobs, but for meaningful careers that contribute to societal well-being,” Dr. Moreno-Riaño says.
For more information about Cornerstone’s more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs taught from a Christian worldview, request information online or call the Admissions Office at 616.949.5300 to speak with an enrollment counselor today.
