With public support for higher education dwindling, and sociopolitical interferences and funding cuts afflicting institutions worldwide, the role of the modern university has become increasingly precarious. Recovering the University attempts to rectify its existential state through a reframing of present obstacles and opportunities.

Returning to the fundamental principles that formed the backbone of universities, sixteenth president of the University of Toronto Meric S. Gertler and University of Toronto’s director of strategic research Anthony Gray remind us of the unrivaled value of these institutions. They show readers why society needs universities – indeed, why their contributions are more important today than ever – but also how universities must evolve in light of contemporary circumstances. The book also considers the factors underlying the dramatic decline in public support for universities in Canada, United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, juxtaposed to those in China, Singapore, and the Middle East. Furthermore, it highlights the unique case study of the University of Toronto – an institution consistently ranked among the world’s very best universities, while being unusually large, diverse, and inclusive – as an actionable model for other institutions.

Articulating a vital new vision for the university, Recovering the University will be transformative for educators, leaders, students, and anyone invested in the development of knowledge and learning.