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

Founded when Abraham Lincoln believed education could lead the nation out of its darkest days, Ohio State now provides a powerful platform of interdisciplinary academic programs, world-class scholars, outstanding students, and extensive research capabilities.

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

I spent the first 18 years of my life in the pastoral town of Vernal, Utah, in the shadows of the Book Cliffs and the Uinta Mountains.

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.

The Ohio State University has a rich - if quiet - heritage of the arts.

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