How can higher ed find the inspiration to make change in a time of public scrutiny and financial headwinds? There’s no easy answer to this question. But author Caroline Levander has some ideas.

During this year’s Chronicle Festival I’ll be interviewing Caroline about her new book, Invent Ed: How an American Tradition of Innovation Can Transform College Today. It explores how the country’s storied past can help inspire college leaders, administrators, and faculty members to meet technical and intellectual conundrums with creativity and confidence.

As she writes, “We must remember what we have forgotten – that there is a long tradition of American invention upon which to draw as American universities tackle workforce development, intensify economic vitality, and build the inventive capacity so essential for national well-being.” 

On September 17, the third day of Chronfest, I’ll be speaking with Caroline, who is the vice president for global strategy and Carlson Professor in the Humanities at Rice University. Register now and let me know if you have questions you’d like me to include in my chat with her. 

Also, when you register, you’ll receive a free copy of Building Trust During Change, a curated report featuring Chronicle coverage pulled together by our journalists to help you and your institution. It features articles on improving higher-ed’s reputation, solidifying leadership-faculty relations, and developing an AI strategy.

I hope you’ll join us for what promises to be thoughtful, candid conversations.