The Abundant University: Remaking Higher Education for a Digital World

“Smith delivers a powerful critique of the traditional higher-education model, grounded in history and contemporary data. Importantly, he builds a case for why colleges and universities should embrace innovation in service of expanding access.” —Sean R. Gallagher, Executive Director, Center for the Future of Higher Education and Talent Strategy, Northeastern University; author of The Future of University Credentials “Michael D. Smith deftly weaves together economic theory and substantive research to provide an incisive and unflinching look at the problems facing higher ed and, more ambitiously, the way we can solve them.”—Aaron Rasmussen, cofounder of Masterclass; founder and CEO of Outlier.org “Smith unpacks the economic implications of the conventional university model, underscoring an ethical imperative for change, and offers new insights—providing a powerful vision of accessible and affordable educational models. A provocative must-read for leaders!”—Thayne M. McCulloh, President, Gonzaga University “If you want to understand the messy, anachronistic, and resistant underbelly of higher academia, and how digital technologies can foster inclusivity and greater educational opportunity for all, Michael D. Smith’s Abundant University is a must-read.”—Steven Lee, CEO, SkillUp Coalition “All I can say is that Michael gets it! This book is a must-read for anyone interested in creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for higher education. His insights are important for every upcoming higher-education leader to understand.”—Maria Anguiano, Executive Vice President, Arizona State University “This thought-provoking book tackles the potential changes to higher education arising from the progress of digital technologies. From admission to graduation, Smith sets the stage for intense debates—not just about future directions, but about current conditions.”—Joshua Gans, Professor of Strategic Management, University of Toronto; author of The Disruption Dilemma (MIT Press) “The Abundant University leverages business strategy and information economics, offering an honest evaluation of higher education’s limitations and an inspiring vision of its future. Essential for college leaders seeking transformative insights.” —Chris Dellarocas, Associate Provost for Digital Learning & Innovation and Shipley Professor in Management, Boston University “Michael Smith has pulled off a great feat—writing a book that will make America’s higher-education challenges accessible and understandable to people both inside and outside of the business.”—Jon Boeckenstedt, Vice Provost, Oregon State University “Michael Smith turns the tired university model on its head, demonstrating a bold and more inclusive vision for higher education in a future where everyone will need the opportunity to keep learning.”—Matt Sigelman, President of the Burning Glass Institute and Visiting Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School