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How Americans Want Colleges to Teach Thinking — And Why the Experts from Vanderbilt Say This Moment Matters

A new national Unity Poll from Vanderbilt University shows overwhelming agreement among Americans on one core belief: colleges should teach students how to think, not what to think. At a time when higher education is under intense political and cultural scrutiny, this finding reveals an unexpected area of unity. Amid debates over free speech, curriculum design, and the purpose of a degree, Americans are signaling a shared expectation for colleges to cultivate critical thinking and reasoning — not ideological conformity. For journalists, observers or anyone keeping a close eye on post-secondary education,  this is a rare lens into what the public actually wants from higher education, and a timely point of entry into stories about academic freedom, the value of a college degree, political polarization, and workforce readiness. “Many observers think current debates about the nature of higher education are relatively new but they are not,” said John Geer, co-director of the Vanderbilt Unity Poll and professor of political science. “The country, for example, was debating the purpose, value and direction of higher education in the 1940s when the federal government made major investments in research and teaching during and after World War II.” “People want colleges and professors to teach students how to think, not what to think,” added Vanderbilt Poll Co-Director Josh Clinton, who holds the Abby and Jon Winkelried Chair at Vanderbilt and is a professor of political science. “The public most highly values those parts of higher education that help students think critically, process information and contribute meaningfully to society. The closer you get to subjects and content that has associations with contemporary political divisions, the more you see public support fracture.” John Geer and Josh Clinton, Co-Directors of the Vanderbilt Unity Poll and Professors of Political Science, are among the nation’s leading experts on public opinion, political behavior and democratic attitudes. With decades of research experience and multiple national polls under their leadership, Geer and Clinton bring essential context to these findings. Their perspective helps media interpret not only the data itself, but the broader social forces shaping how Americans view higher education, institutional trust and the role of colleges in preparing the next generation. What the Data Reveals: 1. A Return to Fundamentals: The Public Wants Critical Thinking Above All Ninety percent of Americans say “the ability to think more logically” is extremely or very important for their children to gain from college. Factual knowledge matters too, but the public places higher value on reasoning, analysis and cognitive skill-building. Geer can help illuminate why this shift is resonating so strongly now — and what it suggests about the changing expectations placed on colleges and universities. 2. A Rare Point of Consensus in a Polarized Era The emphasis on teaching students how to think cuts across political, geographic and demographic lines. Geer notes that agreement of this magnitude is increasingly uncommon in today’s contentious climate. This story angle gives journalists a data-driven counterpoint to the typical “campus culture wars” narrative — showing where unity still exists and why. 3. Is College Worth It? Depends How You Ask When asked about long-term value, a majority of Americans say a college degree is worth the time because it opens better job prospects. But when the question focuses on financial cost, support drops significantly. Geer and Clinton can walk reporters through why perceptions differ depending on how “value” is framed — and how these attitudes influence choices about pursuing postsecondary education. 4. Americans Oppose Government Control of College Teaching Most respondents say the federal government should not direct how professors teach. This adds nuance to ongoing debates about curriculum oversight, classroom autonomy and political influence in higher education. Geer and Clinton’s expertise help explain how this preference aligns with longstanding public attitudes about institutional independence. 5. Curriculum Flashpoints Reveal Sharp Divides While many Americans agree on the need for core historical and civic content, support fragments around politically charged topics. Issues such as gender identity, sexual orientation, and certain cultural topics show much lower consensus. Read the full article and report here:

Newsrooms’ Editing Decisions Under a Microscope

Mark Lukasiewicz, dean of The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, is featured in the Associated Press article, “In Trump-dominated media world, editing video takes on new significance — as BBC uproar shows.” The article is about high level resignations at the BBC, after filmmakers behind the documentary, Trump: A Second Chance, admitted they spliced together quotes from different sections of the speech Trump made before the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot to make it seem like he was directly urging violence. Dean Lukasiewicz noted that “every editing decision taken in a newsroom is now under a microscope and can be weaponized for political purposes.”

Strategies for Interacting with Federal and State Governments in Turbulent Times

From foreign investment scrutiny to trade fraud enforcement, shifting federal and state priorities are reshaping corporate compliance. At the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC) 2025 Corporate Counsel Symposium (CCS) in Chicago, J.S. Held compliance, risk, and investigations expert Greg Esslinger joined a panel to discuss 'Strategies for Interacting with Federal and State Governments in Turbulent Times,' focusing on the current climate for mergers, acquisitions, and corporate compliance. Below, he shares key takeaways from the session designed to help businesses refine their M&A techniques, navigate high-stakes transactions and investigations, and realize value amid global government shifts. REGULATORY EXPECTATIONS ARE SHIFTING QUICKLY Government agencies are adjusting their enforcement priorities, with increased scrutiny on foreign investments, beneficial ownership, and emerging areas like healthcare fraud, sanctions and tariffs, and foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). M&A REQUIRES STRATEGIC RISK MANAGEMENT  In today’s volatile regulatory climate, mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures demand enhanced due diligence. Tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and national security concerns are reshaping how companies value and structure deals. MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL OVERSIGHT IS INCREASING State and international enforcement and regulatory agencies are ramping up efforts, bringing heightened attention to data privacy, private litigation, whistleblower actions, and cross-border investigations, which carry potential reputational and financial risk. INVESTIGATIONS DEMAND AGILITY AND FORESIGHT As enforcement priorities shift across areas like customs, healthcare, and workplace equity initiatives, companies face growing exposure to government inquiries. Preparation and adaptability are key to mitigating risk. For more information about J.S. Held's investigations and compliance consulting expertise: To explore the topic further, simply connect with Greg through his icon below.

Life-changing study abroad experiences help students find themselves, UF research shows

Studying abroad is about more than just enrichment for college students; it’s often about personal transformation, UF researchers have found. Every year, UF sends nearly 2,600 students overseas to become immersed in diverse cultures, gain international perspectives, and create social bonds with fellow Gators – experiences so profound that UF researchers recently published a study about their long-term impact in Leisure Sciences. And this week, the UF International Center is hosting a Study Abroad Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29 on the Reitz North Lawn to generate even more interest in these life-changing programs. “You’ve got to look at travel as not a frivolous thing because it’s part of your life story,” said Heather Gibson, Ph.D., a professor in the UF College of Health & Human Performance’s Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management, who co-authored the study. “The impact isn’t just for the semester when they return; it’s now shown to be over 20 years or more. Very few studies focus on this formative phase of adult development, and these emerging adults are very malleable to be shaped. They’re searching for different sources of identity and different directions.” Conducting this research with Gibson was Hongping (HP) Zhang, Ph.D., a UF graduate of 2020 and clinical assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management. Zhang said that, in 2019, tourism literature began focusing on memory theories, but research primarily looked at memorable tourism experiences and how to better attract tourists. Zhang wanted to dive deeper into how travel memories affect a person’s development and identity. This retrospective longitudinal study examined 115 alumni who traveled as part of the College of Health & Human Performance’s South Pacific program, or the Florida Down Under Program, from 2007 to 2019. The program, led by Gibson, brings students to Australia for four weeks, New Zealand for four weeks, and/or Fiji for 10 days to study sustainability, with trips including a snorkeling expedition to the Great Barrier Reef and to Mungalla Station (a land occupied by the Nywaigi Aboriginal Land Corporation). These students’ memories of studying abroad proved to be positive and an “important building block to enhance the existing feeling of self,” Zhang said. For example, one study participant shared that reflecting on her experience in Australia was a conversation starter that sparked an initial social connection with her now husband, who had also traveled to Australia on a separate trip. Other students said the program impacted their travel behaviors such as spending money, as well as their eco-conscious behaviors like using coral-reef-friendly sunscreen. Overall, Gibson believes that experiential learning like studying abroad plays a significant role in helping students find themselves at pivotal times in their lives. In fact, research from the Consortium for Analysis of Student Success through International Education shows that students who participate in study abroad programs may earn higher grades, be more likely to graduate, and be better positioned for the global workforce. “Getting students out of the classroom and pushing them out of their comfort zone is where they learn,” Gibson said. “We need to think about the undergraduate experience as more than earning credits for a degree. Study abroad provides students with friends, experience, and direction, and that’s very crucial, especially at a large university. Study abroad allows students to find their tribe.”

Expanding Comprehensive Cancer Services to Middletown, Delaware

ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute is expanding access to high-quality, comprehensive cancer care for residents in Middletown and nearby communities. These services will be offered at the new Middletown Health Center, now under construction and expected to open in May 2027. “Our vision is to expand and grow our services throughout the region so that more patients can access high-quality cancer care close to home,” said Thomas Schwaab, M.D., Ph.D., Bank of America Endowed Medical Director of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute. “By bringing our full cancer-care team and advanced technology to Middletown, we can provide highly precise, coordinated treatment while maintaining the same high standard of care our patients expect.” The cancer care services offered at the Middletown Health Center will reflect the same high-quality, comprehensive care provided at ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute in Newark. Patients will have access to specialists across all major cancer types, supported by the Graham Cancer Center’s participation in the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), which brings advanced treatments and clinical trials directly to the community. In Middletown, this means coordinated multidisciplinary treatment planning, advanced radiation therapy, infusion services, consultations with oncologists and surgeons, nurse navigation, supportive care, clinical trial participation and both in-person and virtual visit options. Advanced Technology Enhances Precision and Comfort When services open in Middletown, patients will have access to advanced radiation therapy using the Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator, one of the most sophisticated radiation therapy systems available. TrueBeam delivers highly precise, image-guided treatments for a wide range of cancers, allowing physicians to target tumors more accurately while minimizing radiation to healthy tissue. “The TrueBeam system represents a major step forward in how we deliver radiation therapy,” said Adam Raben, M.D., chair of Radiation Oncology at ChristianaCare. “Treatments that once took 30 minutes can now be completed in just a few minutes, with real-time imaging ensuring precision. This means better tumor control, fewer side effects and a more comfortable experience for patients.” A Growing Community with Expanding Health Care Needs Middletown is one of Delaware’s fastest-growing communities, with its population projected to rise 8% by 2029, nearly twice the statewide rate, according to the US Census Bureau. Since 1990, the town’s population has grown more than 550%, and the number of residents age 65 and older has increased 24% since 2020, driving demand for accessible, high-quality health care. With continued growth and an aging population, cancer service demand in Middletown is expected to increase by 11% over the next decade, according to health care forecasts from Sg2, a Vizient company, underscoring the need for expanded local care options. Expanding Access to Meet Future Cancer Care Demand By expanding services in Middletown, ChristianaCare is responding to both the region’s population growth and the increasing need for cancer care. The new site will help patients receive timely diagnosis and treatment while reducing travel time and improving coordination with the full Graham Cancer Center team. “As our community grows, so too does the need for locally accessible, state-of-the-art cancer services,” said Schwaab. “This expansion represents a pivotal investment in the health of the Middletown—Odessa—Townsend corridor and beyond.” $92 Million Investment in Middletown’s Health The $92.3 million Middletown Health Center reflects a deep investment in the health and vitality of the state. It is part of ChristianaCare’s larger plan, announced in July 2025, to invest more than $865 million in Delaware over the next three years. In addition to cancer care, the Middletown Health Center will offer a full range of services, including primary and specialty care, women’s health, behavioral health, cardiovascular care, pediatrics, neurology, imaging, diagnostics and lab testing. The center’s healing environment will also include walking trails and abundant natural light, making high-quality, convenient and coordinated care more accessible and welcoming for patients and families. The 87,000-square-foot Health Center will be located at 621 Middletown Odessa Road, next to ChristianaCare’s existing freestanding emergency department.

Experts share practical guidance for a healthier, happier holiday season

The holiday season is a time of tradition, connection and celebration – but it also brings its own set of challenges, from food safety concerns to emotional stress. University of Delaware experts are available to speak with reporters and provide practical, research-backed guidance to help audiences make the most of the season. Avoid common food safety mistakes Holiday meals are a centerpiece of celebration, but preparing them safely is essential. Diane Oliver, UD Health and Well-being Extension agent, has identified the top five mistakes people make when handling and preparing turkey – and how to avoid them. She can offer timely food safety tips to ensure families enjoy their meals without risk. Protect your mental well-being The holidays can stir up complex emotions as families come together. UD psychology professors Franssy Zablah and Zachary Meehan can provide expert insight into how to maintain mental wellness, manage stress, and set healthy boundaries during holiday gatherings. Find genuine holiday joy Beyond checklists and shopping, how do people actually experience lasting happiness during the holidays? Assistant professor Amit Kumar can share research-backed strategies on pursuing meaningful, authentic joy rather than fleeting holiday pressure. Preserve your decorations for years to come Family ornaments and decorations often carry sentimental value. Art conservation expert Debra Hess Norris can explain how to properly store and care for holiday decorations so they remain vibrant and intact year after year. Connect with these experts All of these University of Delaware experts are available for media interviews and commentary. Reporters and editors interested in speaking with them can reach out to mediarelations@udel.edu for a quick response and support.

Is Your Phone About to Ruin Thanksgiving Dinner?

Thanksgiving is supposed to be about connection. But for a lot of families, the quiet guest at the table is everyone’s phone. Licensed marriage and family therapist Gaea Woods says the damage rarely comes from one big fight about tech. It’s the drip of small moments: someone telling a story while another person scrolls, a partner checking notifications mid-sentence, a teen disappearing into their screen. “Every time that happens, the signal is: my phone has part of my attention right now,” Woods explains. “Over the course of a holiday, that can add up to people feeling unseen or unimportant.” Instead of laying down hard-and-fast “phone rules” for the whole family, Woods suggests starting with your own intentions and leading by example. One simple move: say it out loud. “I’m going to leave my phone in the other room so I can focus on being present and spending time with you all. I invite you to do the same.” “There’s no pressure, no shaming,” Woods says. “You’re naming what matters to you and opening the door for others to join you.” Woods emphasizes that the goal isn’t perfection. It’s micro-moments of presence: a few minutes of eye contact, one conversation where everyone’s really listening, a shared laugh that isn’t about something on a screen. “Most families don’t need another rule,” she says. “They need a way to say: I care about you, and I want more of you here with me right now. Thanksgiving is a beautiful time to practice that.” About the Expert Gaea Woods is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps couples and families navigate communication breakdowns, digital “third-wheel” dynamics, and everyday phone habits that quietly erode intimacy - especially during high-stress times like the holidays. Gaea is part of the Offline.now Relationship Stress expert community.

Why TikTok Keeps You Scrolling: Baylor Research Explains the Science Behind Social Media Addiction

Why is it so hard to stop scrolling TikTok? A new study by Baylor University marketing professors and social media researchers James A. Roberts, Ph.D. and Meredith E. David, Ph.D., reveals that the answer lies not only in the app’s content, but in its design. Their research, published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, is among the first to compare the technological affordances – the built-in design features that shape user behavior – of three leading short-form video (SFV) platforms: TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. The findings reveal that TikTok’s combination of ease of use, highly accurate recommendations and surprising content variety creates a powerful recipe for user engagement – and, in many cases, addiction. The power of effortless design In their study, Roberts and David had participants rate each platform on three key technological affordances: perceived effortlessness, recommendation accuracy and serendipity (the element of surprise) and answer questions measuring their levels of social media engagement and addictive use. The results were clear: TikTok scored significantly higher than Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts across all categories. Users in the study said TikTok required the least effort to use, delivered the most relevant videos and surprised them most often with unexpected but enjoyable content. “It’s the combination of all three that keeps people scrolling,” David said. “But the prerequisite is effortlessness. Without that ease of use, the other two wouldn’t matter as much.” TikTok’s seamless experience – where videos begin playing automatically the moment the app opens – creates a sense of immersion unmatched by competitors. Other platforms require users to click or select a video before viewing begins, a subtle difference that nonetheless makes TikTok feel faster and more intuitive. Engagement becomes addiction The study found that TikTok’s technological affordances indirectly increase addiction by first increasing engagement. The more users engage, the more likely they are to lose track of time – a phenomenon known as time distortion. David said this design is no accident. “TikTok’s algorithm is intentionally created to be addictive,” she said. “Their own materials acknowledge that users can become hooked after less than half an hour on the app.” She noted that even users who recognize these patterns often underestimate how long they spend scrolling. “We all need to be more cognizant of our time on these platforms,” David said. “Check your phone’s screen-time data – you may be surprised.” Implications for users and policy Beyond individual awareness, the researchers point to the broader social impact of overuse – particularly for young people. Excessive time on short-form video apps can erode attention spans, foster expectations for instant gratification and displace face-to-face interaction. “These platforms are designed to hold our attention,” David said. “But the opportunity cost is huge. The more time we spend scrolling, the less time we have for the activities that build real connection and meaning.”