The author returned to public higher education as VPAA at Westmoreland County Community College after a brief tenure at a public policy think tank. This return to community colleges feels meaningful, especially being closer to family. During the two years away, the focus of public discussion shifted towards education affordability, debt forgiveness, diversity commitments, and the wealth disparity represented by elite institutions. Personal narratives about family dynamics continue, illustrating the significance of shared responsibilities among working parents.
When I stepped away, the public discourse around higher education involved deciding how much of it should be free and how much student debt should be forgiven. Colleges proudly trumpeted their commitments to diversity and inclusive student success. Harvard and its counterparts enjoyed massive public prestige and had more money than they knew what to do with.
Being back in public higher education feels right, and being within driving distance of family again makes a difference. The work we did at the think tank was proud, but it just wasn't me.
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