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Requiem for College: A Stirring Saga of Academic Erosion

Quincy Ward

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In the annals of American education, Brian Kellow's "Requiem for College" stands as a poignant and thought-provoking lament on the erosion of higher education. With meticulous research and a keen eye for detail, Kellow paints a sobering portrait of an academic landscape marred by declining standards, inflated tuition, and a suffocating obsession with rankings.

The Ivory Tower in Crisis

Kellow's narrative takes us on a journey through the halls of once-prestigious universities, where he unveils the stark reality of academic decay. He exposes the lowering of admission standards, the proliferation of "easy A" courses, and the dwindling of rigorous intellectual discourse. The result is a devaluation of the college degree and a disservice to students who are left shortchanged in their pursuit of knowledge.

Requiem for a College

by Brian Kellow

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4963 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	467 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

A Classroom With Students Looking Bored And Unengaged Requiem For A College Brian Kellow

The Financial Burden

Kellow does not shy away from addressing the financial crisis that has enveloped higher education. He documents the exponential rise in tuition costs, which have far outpaced inflation and left many students burdened with crippling debt. He also exposes the lucrative business practices of college administrators, who often prioritize their own salaries and perks over the needs of students and faculty.

A Group Of Students Struggling To Pay Tuition Bills Requiem For A College Brian Kellow

The Tyranny of Rankings

Kellow's analysis also shines a light on the corrosive impact of college rankings. He shows how universities have become obsessed with climbing these lists, often at the expense of educational quality. This misplaced competition has led to a narrowing of the curriculum, a focus on superficial metrics, and a culture of fear and conformity that stifles intellectual inquiry.

A College Administrator Looking Stressed And Overwhelmed Requiem For A College Brian Kellow

The Human Costs

Beyond the financial and academic consequences, Kellow also explores the human toll of the college crisis. He interviews students who feel alienated and disillusioned by their experiences, and faculty members who mourn the loss of academic freedom and intellectual curiosity. The decline of higher education is having a profound impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole.

A Group Of Students Looking Disillusioned And Apathetic Requiem For A College Brian Kellow

A Call to Action

Kellow's book is not merely a condemnation of the state of higher education. It is also a call to action. He urges universities to recommit to their mission of academic excellence, to prioritize teaching and scholarship over rankings and revenue, and to make college affordable for all students. He challenges students to demand more from their education and to hold universities accountable for delivering on their promises.

A Group Of Students Marching In Protest With Signs Demanding Reforms Requiem For A College Brian Kellow

"Requiem for College" is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of higher education. Brian Kellow's searing indictment of the current state of affairs is both deeply troubling and profoundly necessary. By shedding light on the crisis, Kellow provokes us to re-evaluate our priorities and to demand better for our students and for ourselves.

In the face of the challenges confronting higher education, "Requiem for College" offers a glimmer of hope. It reminds us that universities are not mere businesses or factories churning out graduates. They are places of learning, inquiry, and growth, where the minds of young people are ignited and their futures are shaped. By confronting the erosion of academic standards, the financial burden, the tyranny of rankings, and the human costs, Kellow's book empowers us to demand better and to strive for a higher education that is truly worthy of its name.

Requiem for a College

by Brian Kellow

4.4 out of 5