Reclaim Relevance essay series

Reclaim Relevance is Augustana’s new reflective essay series, designed to bring the voices of our educators into the public square. At a time when the value of higher education is under scrutiny, these essays will demonstrate how Augustana’s scholars connect timeless learning to today’s most urgent questions.

Reclaim Relevance is an initiative of the Futurist Thinking Series, which invites big ideas and bold questions examining the future of education, leadership and human thriving.

Why this matters

• Elevate our voice: Share insights that show why education, community, belonging, and transformation matter now.
• Spark dialogue beyond campus: Reach audiences including alumni, donors, prospective students, and civic leaders.
• Shape public understanding: Position Augustana as a national model for liberal arts relevance in a skills-driven age.

What we're looking for

• Length: 750–1,000 words
• Tone: First-person, reflective, accessible to a general audience
• Themes: Why your discipline matters now; what students truly learn in your classroom; what you hope students remember in 20 years; how your field connects to democracy, community, or belonging; or a lesson you’ll never forget.

Publication and promotion

Essays will be published on Augustana’s website and shared through admissions, advancement, and media channels. Selected essays may also be pitched externally to outlets such as Inside Higher Ed or The Chronicle of Higher Education.

How to contribute

We invite all Augustana educators to participate. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or trying public writing for the first time, editorial support is available from Communications & Marketing.

Submit your essay

Use the form below, or open the submission form in a new window.

This series is about reclaiming relevance—showing how the liberal arts endure, adapt and matter more than ever. We hope you’ll add your voice.