Former MSU president evaluates future

A former Spartan tried to grab the Wolverines' attention yesterday, challenging the University to prepare educationally for the 21st century.

Wharton

Clifton Wharton, who was president of Michigan State University from 1969-1977, spoke passionately yesterday to about 30 people during his lecture at the Rackham Amphitheater on the topic, "The New Millennium: Is Higher Education Ready?"

Wharton was the first black president of Michigan State, as well as the first black president at a predominantly white university.

Wharton spoke on a broad range of issues concerning the future of education, specifically addressing the roles of technology and global cooperation.

"Expanding international relations and education is an investment in human capital," Wharton said. "The returns are significant to the individual and society as well, and people are an investment and not an expense."

Richard Brown, a physics Ph.D. candidate, said Wharton was knowledgeable about a wide range of issues.

"The lecture was very stimulating. I was truly impressed by his wisdom," Brown said.

Wharton eloquently discussed the advantages and challenges of education in the new millennium. He said the Internet and fax machines make education more accessible to some but can also create problems, making students overly dependent on this new technology.

"If students can't write or read well, the Internet is going to serve as a substitute," Wharton said.

Wharton said knowledge from all parts of the world will be accessible from the Internet, allowing anyone to advance in their field of expertise. However, Wharton said he is concerned that computer technology will erase the need to go to class and create "distant learning".

"No computer can replace personal warmth in the classroom, competition between classmates and experience in the lab," Wharton said.

Engineering first-year student Ravi Smith said computer-related education has advantages and disadvantages.

"Not having to wake up to go to class is great, but I guess learning from the computer will be awkward," Smith said.

Wharton said he is also deeply concerned with how academia will confront the growing economic interdependence of many countries. Wharton said universities should place more emphasis on studying abroad and international programs.

"The days of isolation have passed. Trade in other countries should be more of a norm than an option," Wharton said.

Public Health Prof. Jason Finkle said Wharton has a positive vision for the future that many people should hear.

"I agree with his theories. He is extremely precise and has an important global theme that needs to be heard," Finkle said.

Wharton said he is passionate about universities funding international programs instead of discounting the programs because of their cost.

04-11-97