By now, most publications have released their 2025 outlooks and their what-to-read book lists. (The National Association of Scholars (NAS) gave its outlook here, and I released a what-to-read book list here). Few, however, are looking inward. So, to be unique, here are my reflections and resolutions.
Minding the Campus (MTC) enters 2025 on a strong foundation.
In 2024, we achieved several milestones: publishing the most articles in a single year than since the NAS took over MTC in late 2020. We grew our social media presence (follow us!) and welcomed a new range of contributors. Some of these writers share occasional pieces, while others have become regular voices shaping the site’s direction. Highlights like “Harvard’s ‘Abysmal’ Year Continues” by Samuel J. Abrams and Steve McGuire earned over 6,000 shares, catching the attention of figures like Steven Pinker and Bill Ackman. Reader feedback, combined with measurable growth—such as surpassing half a million pageviews and the open rate for this very email—confirms that these efforts are resonating.
But no success is without room for improvement. MTC must always ask itself: What’s next? How can we do better? These questions guide my resolutions for the year ahead.
First, I aim to increase our publication rate.
In 2024, we published 522 articles, and this year, I aim to surpass that. However, quantity will never outweigh quality. MTC isn’t about chasing numbers or pandering to trends. Every publication must meet the rigorous standards we demand of higher education itself. To lead the conversation on reform, we need clarity, depth, and conviction.
Second, I want our content to focus more sharply on reform.
While MTC critiques leftist ideological dominance in universities, our goal isn’t to replace one activist class with another. We support the academy’s true mission: fostering intellectual rigor, critical thinking, and the “life of the mind.” By delivering fresh, original content and curating diverse insights, we aim to inspire dialogue and actionable change. In 2025, our articles must embody this mission more fully—written to inform and persuade policymakers and university leaders alike.
Finally, I resolve to adopt a more optimistic tone.
Signing off with “With cynicism” once felt apt but now feels limiting—it highlights problems but offers no solutions and risks resignation. (It takes a doomer to know a doomer). Higher education’s flaws are undeniable, but complaints alone won’t reform it. We must focus on solutions and amplify this message.
In 2025, I’ll replace cynicism with perseverance. MTC will critique not just to expose failure but to chart a path toward reform.
These resolutions—which will, no doubt, evolve throughout the year—aim to do more than improve the site. They reaffirm our mission. As MTC enters this new year, I hope you’ll join me in achieving these goals.
With perseverance …
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Image by Jared Gould using Text-to-Image AI and asset by Patryk on Adobe Stock; Asset ID#: 969423197
This article was originally published at www.mindingthecampus.org
