Graduating the 21st Century Student: Advising As If Their Lives (and Our Future) Depended on It

Abstract

In this adaptation of my keynote address at the 2011 NACADA Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado, I outline the level of increase in college attainment that must occur between now and 2025 for the United States to remain internationally competitive and meet its changing economic and social challenges. After making the case for why achieving Goal 2025—providing high quality college degrees to 60% of the U.S. working age population—is necessary, I outline how those in higher education can achieve this ambitious goal with an emphasis on the role of advisors in advancing college completion goals for the 21st century student.