What happens when a plan designed in 1960 still shapes the experiences of California students today? In this episode of Degrees of Change, Dr. Su Jin Jez sits down with Pat Callan, one of the nation's most influential leaders in higher education reform. Pat shares insights from decades of policy work and helps us unpack how California’s Master Plan was shaped, where it falls short, and what must change to make California’s higher education system more equitable and responsive to the needs of today.

Key Topics

• The original goals—and limitations—of California’s 1960 Master Plan
• How the state drifted away from a student-centered vision
• The roles of state leadership, accountability, and courage in driving change

Our Guest, Pat Callan

For decades, Pat Callan has been one of the nation's most respected leaders in higher education reform. He served as president of some of our nation’s most influential organizations, such as the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education and the Higher Education Policy Institute, and as a leader of several state postsecondary education commissions—including California’s former entity.

He has published many articles and papers on higher education policy, educational opportunity, public accountability, financing of higher education, and state policy leadership. He coauthored Designing State Higher Education Systems for a New Century and Financing American Higher Education in the Age of Globalization. He is coeditor of Public and Private Financing of Higher Education: Shaping Public Policy for the Future and The Learning Connection, New Partnerships between Schools and Colleges.

Resources and Links

• From Institutions to Individuals: A Paradigm Shift for California’s Master Plan for Higher Education - Written as part of a UCLA Civil Rights Project series on the future of education and civil rights in California, our white paper explores a bold, equity-centered vision for California’s postsecondary system—one built to endure varying economic cycles, aligned with today’s economic and societal needs, and strengthens pathways to opportunity.
• California Competes: Higher Education for a Strong Economy - Learn more about our work.

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