Mind Opener – Past, Present and Future: The Case for Liberal Arts Education

Name: Mind Opener – Past, Present and Future: The Case for Liberal Arts Education
Start: 2026-03-10T16:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-03-10T18:30:00-05:00
Location: Mairs Concert Hall

Schedule

Tue Mar 10 2026 at 04:30 pm to 06:30 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Mairs Concert Hall | Saint Paul, MN

Higher education is changing, and so is the way we think about its value. As interest in postsecondary education options rebounds, a bigger question is emerging: what kind of learning best prepares students for civic life today?
Liberal arts education has long played a vital role in helping students and future leaders think critically, engage across differences, and grapple with complex public challenges – skills that feel especially urgent right now.
What might it look like to embrace multiple pathways to learning and skill development, including technical training, trades, life skills, and four-year degrees, as part of a shared civic and educational ecosystem? What role do liberal arts institutions plan in rebuilding trust and strengthening our civic culture?
Join us for a special Citizens League Mind Opener, hosted and sponsored by Macalester College, as we delve into an insightful conversation about the future of liberal arts and higher education, and the role it can play in building a resilient, strong civic life for Minnesota and beyond.
Panelists:
- Dr. Suzanne M. Rivera, President, Macalester College
- Dr. Wendy Robinson, Assistant Commissioner, Minnesota Office of Higher Education
Moderator: Annie Baxter, Editor, Minnesota Public Radio News