What Do Universities Owe Society? – with Ron Daniels

About this episode

The episode discusses the obligations of universities to society in light of public funding and expectations.

The relationship between higher education and the American public has grown increasingly strained, leading many to call for reforms. In exchange for significant public funding, what are our universities obligated to provide the American people? Governors Bredesen and Haslam welcome Ron Daniels, president of Johns Hopkins University and author of What Universities Owe Democracy, to discuss the social contract in higher education and how universities can meet public expectations. This episode was recorded live at a Tennessee Higher Education Commission convening at Middle Tennessee State University in October 2025.

People in this episode

Hosts: Bredesen, Haslam

Guest: Ron Daniels

Topics covered

• higher education
• public funding
• social contract
• university obligations
• reform
• public expectations

Keywords

• universities
• society
• public funding
• reforms
• social contract
• education

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Johns Hopkins University, Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at University of Tennessee, Tennessee Higher Education Commission

Places: Middle Tennessee State University

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