Challenges are not to be feared

The March 2009 issue of Fast Company magazine focuses on innovation.  In its article about what the magazine believes are the world's most innovative companies, the discussion opens with this introduction:

Challenges are not to be feared.

"Even in these tough times, surprising and extraordinary efforts are under way in businesses across the globe. From politics to technology, energy, and transportation; from marketing to retail, health care, and design, each company on the following pages illustrates the power and potential of innovative ideas and creative execution. These are the kinds of enterprises that will redefine our future and point the way to a better tomorrow."

The same can be said for the enterprise of higher education. These are challenging times, but not challenges to be feared.  These are times to draw on the extraordinary intellectual capital of our college and university communities and seriously embrace innovation.  Great things are possible. Let's make them happen.