The role of a liberal arts education in a changing world

The role of a liberal arts education in a changing world

From MPR News with Angela Davis by Minnesota Public Radio

May 28, 2026 · 49 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the value of a liberal arts education amidst rising costs and changing workforce demands.

Rising costs, student debt and shifting workforce needs are putting more pressure on liberal arts colleges to demonstrate their value. But some proponents say a liberal arts education is about more than just preparing for a first job. It's about building skills for the many careers and changes that come after it. MPR News guest host Annie Baxter talks with guests about the future of liberal arts and higher education at a recent event sponsored by the Citizens League and Macalester College. Guests: Suzanne M. Rivera is the president of Macalester College. She previously served in academic and leadership roles at Case Western Reserve University, UT Southwestern Medical Center and the University of California–Irvine. B Kyle is the president and CEO of the St. Paul Area Chamber . Wendy Robinson is the assistant commissioner for Programs, Policies, and Grants at the Minnesota Office of Higher Education .

People in this episode

Host: Annie Baxter

Guests: Suzanne M. Rivera, B Kyle, Wendy Robinson

Topics covered

  • liberal arts education
  • higher education
  • student debt
  • workforce needs
  • career skills

Keywords

  • liberal arts
  • higher education
  • student debt
  • workforce
  • career skills

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Macalester College, St. Paul Area Chamber, Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Citizens League

More episodes of MPR News with Angela Davis

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast page.