Transforming Universities in the Midst of Global Crisis

by Richard Hil, Kristen Lyons, Fern Thompsett

This book calls into question the colonial and neoliberal university, presenting alternative models of higher education that can more effectively respond to today’s intersecting social, economic, environmental and political crises. The authors argue that universities should be driven by a different set of core values – one that promotes the common good over private or commercial interests, individualism and market fundamentalism. Presenting a broad range of educational initiatives from around the world that reflect life-affirming regenerative and relational practices, Indigenous intellectual sovereignty, and principles of social and ecological justice, the authors contend that pathways toward transforming higher education already exist within and without the university. This task, say the authors, is urgent and necessary if universities and other institutions are to hold relevance in a rapidly changing global environment. This book makes a unique contribution to critiques of the modern, neoliberal university by looking for alternatives within and beyond traditional institutions of higher education. In doing so, the authors dismantle the longstanding 'ivory tower' image of the university, instead resituating education within broader social and ecological communities. Transforming Universities in the Midst of Global Crisis is aimed at all those who have a direct or indirect interest and stake in universities, from the general reader to futurists, ecologists as well as students, academics, administrators, managers, policy makers and politicians.

180 pages, Hardcover

Published December 23, 2021

About the author

Dr Richard Hil is Honorary Associate at the University of Sydney, Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies and Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Social Work and Human Services, Griffith University. He has taught at the University of York in the UK, and in Australia at James Cook University, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland University of Technology and Southern Cross University. He has also been a columnist for The Australian, Campus Review, Australian Universities Review, New Matilda and Arena Magazine.