Editor's Note

AMERICANS OVERWHELMINGLY BELIEVE a college education is necessary for success in the workplace, and that costs should not prevent qualified students from attending. But they also say many qualified students do not have the opportunity for a college education.

I WAS TRAVELING LAST MONTH WHEN WORD came of the horrific shooting deaths at Virginia Tech. From my hotel I watched numerous news reports on the shootings, trying to make sense of a senseless situation.

Last month's American Council on Education conference in Washington, D.C., carried the theme of "The Access Imperative," and higher ed leaders heard a variety of perspectives on how they could address one of the most pressing issues of our time.

It's only January, but we're already deep into preparations for EduComm 2007 (Anaheim, Calif., June 19-21). I'm pleased to announce the two keynote speakers for this year's conference: Alan Kay and David Pogue.