Ten reasons why colleges and universities should educate character

Abstract

Historically, character education has been a central aim of many colleges and universities. Over the last century, however, this aim has become less prominent. In this article, we trace this history and chart an emerging movement to recover character development as an aim of higher education. To support this movement, we identify ten research-based reasons—relating to core purposes of colleges and universities—why institutions should consider cultivating the character of their students. Educating character can support 1) academic research and teaching, 2) career preparation, 3) civic education, 4) leadership development, 5) performance in sports and other extracurricular activities, 6) student well-being and life satisfaction, 7) community engagement, 8) sustainability, 9) institutional culture and strategy, and 10) human flourishing and intrinsic value. We believe these ten reasons—weighted differently depending on an institution’s mission, culture, and population—provide substantial justification to make character development a priority for colleges and universities.