Few institutions in the United States constitute as much aspiration and contestation as higher education. Our colleges and universities have long been the focus of significant public funding investment and have historically been viewed as a means of social mobility for aspiring students pursuing their version of the American dream. To that end, our institutions have produced significant genius to drive breakthroughs in nearly every domain important to the American economy. In these ways, higher education has helped students realize their American dreams, fueled American ingenuity through research, and advanced the American economy. This is the promise of US higher education.
Reciprocity over Hierarchy: Designing and Implementing a Student-Led Reverse Mentoring Program
Many academic leaders, including administrators and faculty members, participate in traditional mentoring programs that prioritize hierarchy. But these programs typically don’t foster engagement and connection between students and faculty or
Marquita Lyons-Smith and Keva Suitte
October 19, 2026
