Kellogg College President advocates for lifelong learning in global webinar
Kellogg College President, Professor Jonathan Michie, recently spoke at a globally broadcast webinar hosted by University World News in partnership with ABET, the international quality assurance and accreditation agency. The event explored a pressing question: “Are universities being left behind in lifelong learning?”
The event prompted an important discussion to consider the role of universities in meeting the needs of a growing global movement towards lifelong learning. Hundreds of millions of people will become ‘perpetual students’, learning throughout and beyond working lives that demand more and ever-changing skills. How are universities responding to this trend, and what more needs to be done to help prepare students for a rapidly changing and complex world?
Addressing an audience of global education leaders, Professor Michie emphasised that universities must do more to support lifelong learning. “Most universities could and will need to do better,” he stated, highlighting the increasing demand for clearer learning pathways, stronger connections to real-world issues, and more affordable education.
Jonathan Michie and panel on the Perpetual Student Webinar
Professor Michie’s participation in this discussion aligns closely with Kellogg College’s core mission—to expand access to education, champion lifelong learning, and foster innovation in teaching and research. As Oxford’s most international and interdisciplinary graduate college, Kellogg leads the way in flexible and inclusive learning opportunities, ensuring that education is not limited by age, background, or career stage.
Joining Professor Michie at the event were Professor Maria Slowey, emeritus professor in the School of Policy and Practice and founding director of the Higher Education Research Centre at Dublin City University in Ireland, and Dr Hanne Smidt, senior advisor at the European University Association and at University West in Sweden. The event was the second in a series of webinars organised by University World News in partnership with ABET.
By contributing to this global conversation, Professor Michie reaffirmed Kellogg College’s commitment to shaping the future of higher education, ensuring that universities evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.