Recap: A Masterclass in Advocacy for Public Higher Education

Public flagship institutions represent the future of higher education, not its past.

Watching this weekend’s news shows, one interview stood out. On Face the Nation, The Ohio State University president, Ted Carter, didn’t just deflect questions about federal investigations or partisan narratives; he delivered a quiet masterclass on how to advocate for a public institution during higher education’s fourth great disruption.

While the interviewer probed for conflict with the Trump administration’s crackdown on DEI and campus protests, Carter sidestepped the bait. Instead, he makes a clear and forceful case for the central role of state flagship universities in the future of higher education. Here’s a summary of what he says and what it implies:

“This is the future of higher education.”

• Carter explicitly states that public flagship institutions like Ohio State represent the future of the sector, not the past.

• He contrasts OSU’s scale, affordability, and workforce impact with elite private institutions under scrutiny.

Affordability and Access

• Emphasizes that 57% of OSU graduates leave with no student debt, and that the university continues to focus on affordability through public funding and strong fiscal management.

• This makes flagship institutions more accessible than elite privates, which are increasingly out of reach for middle-class families.

Workforce Relevance

• Notes that 70% of OSU undergraduates stay in Ohio, contributing directly to the state’s economy, talent pipeline, and civic infrastructure.

• He positions public universities as economic engines with strong ties to local communities, unlike private elites with national or global but often detached identities.

Trust and Legitimacy

• Argues that public institutions have a stronger claim to public trust because of their transparency, accountability to taxpayers, and broad mission.

• This stands in contrast to the “survival mode” posture of Ivy League schools now facing lawsuits, settlements, and political blowback.

Academic Freedom with Public Accountability

• Carter embraces state-mandated transparency requirements (like Ohio SB 1) while maintaining a commitment to academic freedom, suggesting public universities can model balanced governance.

Carter isn’t just answering questions, he’s reframing the future. In a moment when elite universities are flailing, he’s positioning state flagships as the resilient core of American higher education. His message is aimed not just at lawmakers, but at families, students, and donors looking for trust, value, and purpose. The call is clear: invest your confidence in the institutions that serve the public, not just the privileged.

This is a mission I cherish and it remains what’s special about land-grant, public flagship universities like the University of Georgia. Like Ohio State, our impact is deep and measurable. Just 32% of UGA undergraduates ever take out federal student loans, and two out of three graduates stay in Georgia to begin their careers, fueling the state’s workforce and communities. The big number says it all: in fiscal year 2024, UGA contributed a record $8.4 billion to Georgia’s economy, up $300 million from the year before. These are institutions built for public good, and they’re delivering. The future of higher education lies in places like Columbus, Ohio and Athens, Georgia.