Quotes by Gordon Gee

“When the fabric of the universe becomes unknown, it is the duty of the university to produce weavers”

“Let there be no misunderstanding of our intention, ... Vanderbilt is committed to competing at the highest levels in the Southeastern Conference and the NCAA, but we intend on competing consistent with the values of a world-class university.”

“There are many who say that the entrenched interests -- television, alumni, legislators, among others -- will never truly accept anything less than a continuation of the status quo, ... But that is simply unacceptable. As educators, we have an obligation to try to make things better. I love college sports. However, institutions of higher learning are in danger of being torn apart by the win-at-all-costs culture we have created for ourselves.”

“The issue that all of us face is that alumni love to have the institution frozen in amber. The truth of the matter is that for an institution to survive, it has to grow, to look at the world as it is rather than how they want it to be.”

“We intend on competing with the values of a world-class university.”

“I must say that I could see in their eyes that they felt like they had crossed a Rubicon,”

“Continue to surprise those who would put you in a neat demographic. Be insistently curious.”

“Id already seen the kind of discipline and quality of effort that was being put into our program. I just felt very strongly that Bobby did not need to be looking to the rear view mirror as to whether the university administration was supporting him. He needed to look through the front window,”

“What has gratified me the most is the enthusiasm I have witnessed this week on campus and among our alumni and friends. No doubt that a winning team brings great credit to the university.”

“Nothing short of a revolution will stop what has become a crisis of conscience and integrity for colleges and universities in this country,”

I often have said that to be a college president, you need a thick skin, a good sense of humor, and nerves like sewer pipes.

I tend to deal with most issues with humor... always have and always will.

The arts, quite simply, nourish the soul. They sustain, comfort, inspire. There is nothing like that exquisite moment when you first discover the beauty of connecting with others in celebration of larger ideals and shared wisdom.

So if a college education is indispensable, the challenge as I see it is how to make it more accessible.

To be sure, American higher education is a diverse ecosystem, comprising institutions of all sizes, price tags, and mission statements.

I believe that it is higher educations purpose and calling to keep open the door to the American dream.