Johnston Lecture Series Addresses Comparative Education Policy Issues - UBNow: News and Views for UB Faculty

A presentation on COVID-19-related inequalities in higher education kicked off the Johnstone Special Lectures Series in New Comparative Education Policy at the Graduate School of Education.

The series was founded through the support of D. Bruce Johnstone, Emeritus Professor of Higher and Comparative Education, SUNY Distinguished Service, UB, and his wife, Gail E. Johnstone. Both were attending a talk at the Arts Center on September 13th.

Professor Richard Allam (Pedagogy) of the University of California, Irvine gave the first lecture. In his presentation, “Inequalities in Higher Education: International Comparisons, Historical Trends, and Student Educational Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” characterizes access, costs, and outcomes in higher education institutions in the United States and surrounding areas. and outlined the prospects. world.

In his lecture, Mr. Alam will discuss the impact of the pandemic response on student inequalities and educational experiences during the pandemic, as well as new behaviors and institutional practices that may offer opportunities to improve access and equity in the future. Did.

Arum’s research shows that the pandemic has potentially widened inequalities, especially in broad-access institutions serving low-income students. Meanwhile, students at more selective institutions performed better throughout the pandemic. Therefore, by implementing a hybrid admissions model, universities can reduce costs, expand access, and improve equity.

“COVID-19 has opened the door to distance learning using technology to think about the potential for higher education in the United States to be transformed in a positive way,” he said.

As the talk drew to a close, Arum asked the audience:

A scholar of international and comparative higher education finance, governance, and policy making, Johnstone has held multiple positions throughout his career, including vice president for administration at the University of Pennsylvania, president of SUNY Buffalo State University, and president of SUNY.

In his opening remarks, President Satish Tripathi said, “I am deeply grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Johnstone for their support of this lecture. It stimulates innovative ideas and practices by presenting diverse perspectives.”

Janina Brutt-Griffler, Professor and Associate Dean of GSE’s Director of International Education and Language Programs, worked with Johnstone to bring his vision for the lecture series to life.

“Bruce Johnstone’s gift to establish a series of lectures is his remarkable academic understanding of what is possible in higher education and his unwavering commitment to the ability of his colleagues and students to carry on his legacy. It comes from,” said Brütt Griffler. “This is generous and forward-looking for our work at GSE. I am personally grateful for ensuring this continuity.”

A belief in the importance of access to a good education prompted John Stones to create and support a series of lectures.

“With the exception of perhaps democracy and the rule of law, nothing is more important to a functioning society than quality education, accessible to all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or social class,” said D. Bruce Johnstone said.

“The University of Buffalo Graduate School of Education is dedicated to providing advanced training for teachers, school and college administrators, and in research to advance our understanding of how teachers, professors, and administrators accomplish this mission in our state and community. , plays a special role and is too often plagued by intolerance, inequality and inadequate resources.”