Larry Arnn, the president of Hillsdale College, recently spoke at a gathering in San Diego, sharing his views on the changing landscape of American governance. He remarked that America has shifted from a system that empowers individuals to one dominated by rules and regulations. Arnn emphasized that Hillsdale operates differently, focusing on goals rather than strict rules. He believes that goals that people adopt freely lead to better outcomes than enforced rules.
Hillsdale’s approach is evident in its Van Andel Graduate School of Government (VSG), where the main focus is on developing prudence in future leaders. Arnn explained that prudence goes beyond mere caution; it involves recognizing opportunities for good in any situation and taking action to realize that potential.
Located in Michigan, Hillsdale’s graduate school is situated in Washington, D.C., placing it near the centers of political power. VSG has a unique structure with very few administrators—only three full-time staff members support a faculty of six professors and several adjuncts. This lean setup allows them to serve around 60-70 graduate students while hosting numerous lectures for alumni and government workers.
In contrast, many other educational institutions have seen a significant increase in administrative staff. Over the past two decades, the number of administrators in public education has risen tenfold compared to the growth of students and teachers. Even in the private sector, the ratio of non-faculty employees to students is concerning, with some prestigious institutions having far more administrators than students.
Matthew Spalding, the dean of VSG, explained that Hillsdale maintains a business-like mentality, focusing on maximizing the quality of education. He noted that leaders at Hillsdale are also educators, ensuring that the institution prioritizes teaching.
This approach stands in stark contrast to the broader trend in higher education and business, where management layers have expanded significantly. A 2016 report highlighted that the U.S. economy suffers from excessive management, costing trillions in lost productivity. Hillsdale’s model of minimal administration and a focus on teaching offers a potential solution to this inefficiency.
During his time working on Capitol Hill, the author of the report recounted an encounter with the Senate printshop, illustrating the challenges of bureaucratic rules. A simple request for posterboard turned into a convoluted process, highlighting how rigid adherence to rules can lead to inefficiency and frustration.
Hillsdale’s philosophy prioritizes human judgment over strict procedures. Emily Weston Kannon, one of the school’s administrators, explained that their approach involves broad delegation and minimal oversight. This allows for flexibility and adaptability in addressing challenges, ensuring that actions align with the ultimate goal of education.
The school’s method emphasizes personal accountability and the importance of prudent decision-making. Hillsdale’s success demonstrates that by fostering an environment where individuals can act wisely, institutions can become more effective. This stands in contrast to the bureaucratic mindset that often prioritizes processes over outcomes.
In summary, Hillsdale College’s approach to education and administration serves as a compelling example of how prioritizing goals and human judgment can lead to greater efficiency and effectiveness in both education and governance.