Higher education is one of few areas where this country competes with the rest of the world and wins. The best of American higher education outstrips any in the world. Look where the rest of the world goes for higher education, for graduate degrees. They come here.
Donna Shalala, a prominent figure in American education, emphasizes the superiority of American higher education, citing its global appeal and the fact that international students flock to the US for graduate degrees.
Shalala's statement highlights the prestige and excellence of American higher education, which is a significant aspect of the country's soft power and global influence.
The quote likely reflects the post-Cold War era, when the US enjoyed a period of relative dominance in global affairs, and its higher education system was seen as a key driver of innovation and progress.
Donna Shalala is a former US Secretary of Health and Human Services, a former President of the University of Miami, and a prominent advocate for education and healthcare reform.
The quote's emphasis on the excellence of American higher education can be seen as a call to action for policymakers, educators, and students to continue investing in and improving the system, ensuring its continued global competitiveness.
Some might argue that Shalala's statement oversimplifies the complexities of global higher education, ignoring issues such as accessibility, affordability, and the role of other countries in shaping the global academic landscape.