Thought Leaders Focus on Strategies to Address Rising Cost of Higher Education

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ARAMARK, a leader in providing professional services to colleges and universities across North America, is proud to announce the 2011-2012 release of Presidential Perspectives, a thought provoking leadership series authored by college and university presidents. Now in its sixth year, Presidential Perspectives features a collection of essays aimed at providing insight on the issues facing higher learning institutions nationwide. This year's series will examine "Strategies to Address the Rising Cost of Higher Education."

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"Even adjusted for inflation, the average costs of attending a higher education institution are between three and 10 times higher than they were 30 years ago," explains Tim Goral, editor of University Business and author of the collection's foreword.  "Institutions must continue to serve a growing demand for their services at a time when post-recession endowments are down, and state and federal funding is further reduced in every budget cycle."

In today's difficult economic climate, administrators must wrestle with the challenges of providing an excellent education while applying business acumen to balance the needs of students and the institution's financial future.  Presidential Perspectives examines the implications of the nation's economic challenges on college campuses and demonstrates how colleges and universities are adopting unique solutions, changing policies, and increasing the value provided to students.

Presidential Perspectives features chapter essays written by 10 college and university presidents. The first essay, "Tuition Discounting: Issue of Transparency, Access and Accountability," written by Dave Arnold, President of Eureka College, explores the cost value proposition of tuition and provides examples of how tuition reduction and financial transparency have helped increase student enrollment.  Eureka's model has set unprecedented records at the College for the past five years.  

"The future of the tuition price and discount relationship will determine how we fund tangible assets like facilities and less tangible, but closely held educational ideals, such as liberal education," explains Arnold.  

Additional essays within the series focus on a myriad of topics including: increasing the quality of education students receive while managing costs; balancing access to education, costs and student outcomes; examining the financial effects of sustainability on campus; incorporating three year academic programs; and evaluating tuition reduction and discounting.

"We are pleased with the continued success of Presidential Perspectives," said Dr. Marylouise Fennell, senior counsel for the Council of Independent Colleges and past president of Carlow University, who, along with Dr. Scott D. Miller, president of Bethany College, serve as executive editors of Presidential Perspectives.  "The series offers a forum that encourages leaders to share best practices and strategies to successfully manage the challenges faced by the entire higher education community."

Contributing thought leaders for this year's Presidential Perspectives include:

• Tim Goral, Editor, Editor, University Business
• David Arnold, President, Eureka College
• Donna Randall, President, Albion College
• Jay Lemons, President, Susquehanna University
• John McCardell, President, Sewanee: The University of the South
• Scott Koerwer, President, Newberry College
• Vinton Thompson, President, Metropolitan College of New York
• Robert Davies, President, Eastern Oregon University
• John W. Stewart, III, President, University of Montevallo
• Rosalind Reichard, President, Emory & Henry College
• Maravene Loeschke, President, Mansfield University

One chapter essay of Presidential Perspectives will be released each month, beginning in September and concluding in June. The series can be viewed online at no cost by visiting www.presidentialperspectives.org. The site features a chapter essay calendar, an archive for each issue, author biographies, and additional information about the collection.   

About ARAMARK Higher Education

ARAMARK Higher Education is dedicated to excellence in dining, facility, conference center, and stadium and arena services. ARAMARK enhances the living and learning experience and environment for more than 600 colleges and universities throughout North America.  For more information and a list of our services, visit www.aramarkhighered.com.

About ARAMARK

ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. The company is recognized as the industry leader in FORTUNE magazine's "World's Most Admired Companies," and as one of America's Largest Private Companies by both FORTUNE and Forbes magazines. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 255,000 employees serving clients in 22 countries. Learn more at the company's Web site, www.aramark.com or www.twitter.com/aramarknews  

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