耶鲁大学的保守标签与变革实质 ——两任校长31年的改革创新探索-清华大学教育研究

文章信息/Info

Title:: Conservative Label and Changing Essence of Yale University: Reform and Innovation of Two Presidents in 31 Years

Author(s):: ZHANG Wei; Higher Education Research Center, Northwestern Polytechnical University

Keywords:: conservation and change; Yale University; Levin; Salovey; reform and innovation

摘要:: 关于耶鲁大学保守和不变的说法流行,但该校两位校长31年(1993-2024)的156篇文稿显示,雷文校长强化改革战略与举措,在高度重视本科教学的同时,完善科研和社会服务使命,既重视教师发展,也加强校园建设,改进语言教学和加快国际化进程;斯拉维校长重塑大学的愿景与使命,修订学术战略,增强教师的多样性。尽管这两位校长的个性和风格有异,改革重点和方法也不尽相同,但都呈现出厚今薄古、科教融合、文理并进和求新求变的理念及行动,也都赋予自由教育新的概念和内涵,推动耶鲁的改革创新取得显著成效。应透过耶鲁保守标签的表象和说辞,深刻认识其变革发展的真相与实质,坚定深化高等教育综合改革的信心和决心,走中国式高等教育强国发展之路。

Abstract:: Although Yale University is often described as conservative and resistant to change, an analysis of 156 speeches and writings by two Yale presidents over 31 years (1993-2024) reveals a strong commitment to reform and innovation. President Levin strengthened strategic reforms, prioritizing undergraduate education highly while enhancing Yale’s research and social service missions. He emphasized faculty development, strengthened campus infrastructure, improved language teaching, and accelerated the process of internationalization. President Salovey reshaped Yale’s vision and mission, revised academic strategies, and increased faculty diversity. Despite their differences in personality, style, and focal points of reform, both presidents committed to progress by prioritizing the present over tradition, integrating science with education, advancing the arts and sciences together, and embracing innovation. Their efforts have given liberal education new meaning and have driven Yale’s reform initiatives to notable success. Beyond Yale’s conservative image, these changes reveal the substantive nature of its ongoing development. This understanding reinforces confidence and determination to pursue comprehensive reform in higher education and to follow a path toward building a world-class Chinese higher education system.