For American higher education to be successful in the coming decades it must strive for efficiency, even though efficiency is rarely in the self-interest of any individual agent in higher education. This essay argues that leaders must break old habits to minimize bureaucracy, focus on value creation, and take seriously their mission to their students, taxpayers, and the general public.

E. Gordon Gee is president of West Virginia University.
Joshua C. Hall is a Research Fellow at the Independent Institute and Associate Professor of Economics at West Virginia University.
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Other Independent Review articles by Joshua C. Hall
Fall 2012 Higher-Education Accreditation: Market Regulation or Government Regulation?
Spring 2009 Prohibitions
Spring 2002 For-Profit Schools Are Making a Comeback