Public higher education is the foundation of the American dream – the idea that if you work hard enough, you can do better than your parents. And yet for the past 40 years, states have continued to dis-invest in public colleges and universities, eroding opportunities for young people and making the United States less competitive in the global economy.
Is it realistic to think we can turn back the clock on funding? Or do we need to find another way – a better way – to do business? Or maybe we should aim for both?
Together, we can shine a light on the truth about the value of a college degree and re-imagine higher education, so that our American dream isn’t just a dream for today’s students. Prior to her appointment in 2017, Davidson served as the 32nd undersecretary of the United States Navy and the president’s appointed “chief management officer” for the Navy and Marine Corps. Her appointment as Navy “under” followed nearly 30 years of academic, civilian and military service.

She has taught at George Mason University, Georgetown University, Davidson College and various professional military schools, and was an aviation and aerobatics flight instructor at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Davidson began her career as an Air Force officer and cargo pilot. She was a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Squadron Officer School, and was the first woman to fly the Air Force’s tactical C-130. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx