679. Why Does Vanderbilt Keep Winning?

It’s a hard time to run a university: public trust is low, political pressure is high, and finances are fragile. But Daniel Diermeier, who trained as a political scientist, has Vanderbilt humming. How? He says the key is choosing magnets over wedges.   SOURCES: Daniel Diermeier , chancellor of Vanderbilt University.   RESOURCES: " Higher Ed’s New Crisis Managers ," by Lee Gardner (The Chronicle of Higher Education, 2026). " Professors Need to Diversify What They Teach ," by Jon Shields, Yuval Avnur, and Stephanie Muravchik (Persuasion, 2025). " A Call for Constructive Engagement ," (American Association of Colleges and Universities, 2025). " 2020 Statement on Anthropology and Human Rights ," (American Anthropological Association, 2020). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness , by Michelle Alexander (2010). " Kalven Committee: Report on the University’s Role in Political and Social Action ," (The University of Chicago, 1967).   EXTRAS: Sign up here to pre-screen our new video show. "' A Low Moment in Higher Education ,'" by Freakonomics Radio (2024). "' If We’re All in It for Ourselves, Who Are We?' " by Freakonomics Radio (2024). " Do Boycotts Work? " by Freakonomics Radio (2016). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.