December 3, 2024 – President Bailey admits he’s biased toward higher education – and the value of a liberal arts education. But objectively, there are many advantages that can’t be overlooked: nearly a million extra dollars in lifetime earnings; higher rates of personal satisfaction and professional advancement; a better appreciation of everything around you that comes with “learning how to learn;” the marketplace of ideas found on university campuses; the intellectual flexibility that comes from a broad-based education; and the “soft skills” in communication, creativity, problem-solving and leadership that employers prize. President Bailey urges readers to consider the vitality of institutions such as SOU: “Take into account the resourcefulness of our graduates. And let’s recognize the critical contributions we will make to the future success of our communities and our state – a success we will all own and enjoy together.”