New American University

Encyclopedia : N : NE : NEW : New American University

The term "New American University" was used by Dr. Michael Crow in his inaugural address [link]as President of Arizona State University (ASU) to identify his "rethinking of the static organizational paradigms of American research universities."

The idea of the "New American University" involves the reconceptualization of the mission, design and operation of the research university. It "is based first upon the view that "[r]esearch universities are the preeminent catalysts for societal change" and that "no institution possesses more potential to transform society." According to Dr. Crow: "The American research university, through its scholarship and creativity, has contributed to the wealth and productivity of the nation and defined our cultural landscape. Research universities have been responsible for educating successive generations of scientists, engineers, artists, healthcare professionals,educators, and our nation’s leaders in government and industry. Universities, to an astonishing degree, advance the health and happiness of humankind."

However, there are currently approximately fifteen institutions (including Harvard University, University of Michigan and Stanford University) that define the historical concept of the American research university and against which "every university in the nation measures itself according to their standards." As a result, "[t}hese universities are considered definitive prototypes, and their disciplinary departments are the departments by which all others are implicitly judged." According to Dr. Crow, although "these institutions represent the gold standard, it is the gold standard of the past."

The idea of the "New American University" posits that the standard to which research universities should aspire in the future is one based on inclusiveness rather than exclusiveness. According to Dr. Crow, "the university should be "measured not by who we exclude, but rather by who we include; pursuing research that benefits the public good; assuming major responsibility for the economic, social, and cultural vitality and healthy well-being of the community." In order to advance thinking, discussion and action regarding the New American University, Dr. Crow identified eight "design imperatives" for use in designing, building and operating research universities: a focus on the individual, social embeddedness, intellectual fusion, use-inspired reseach, global engagement, societal transformation and knowledge entrepreneur.[link]

New American University

See also