Author: Dr. Nafees Alam

Dr. Nafees Alam is a professor of social work.

Professors Have Much to Learn from This College Dropout

What if I told you that a college dropout did more for higher education than many college professors? Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), never earned a formal degree; yet, his influence on American campuses has reshaped discussions around free speech and viewpoint diversity. Kirk dropped out of college, opting instead to […]

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The Grade Chase Problem Is a Symptom of Higher Ed’s Box Checking Culture

Every semester, I pose a question to my students: Why are you here? Would you prioritize deep learning, even if it meant a lower grade, or chase the highest grade, even at the cost of true understanding? They almost always claim learning matters most. But I’m growing skeptical that they actually mean it. Those words […]

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How the Draft Extends University Control Over Student Athletes

Imagine graduating from college, diploma in hand, ready to embark on your career. But instead of interviewing with multiple companies and choosing the best fit, you’re drafted by a single employer based on their needs and your ranking. No negotiation, no choice—just assignment. This scenario, absurd in most professions, is the reality for many collegiate […]

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