… what would it look like? The University of North Texas at Dallas, which is reinventing itself with the help of Bain & Company, might provide some answers. Goldie Blumentsyk, a Chronicle reporter, explains why the institution is one to watch.

Read Goldie’s story: At UNT-Dallas, Consultants Propose a Reinvention
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You’ve probably heard that conventionally-grown beef tends to come loaded with drugs and hormones. But you might not realize that land-grant universities have played a crucial role in making that so. Melody Petersen, an author and former New York Times reporter, explains how animal scientists have helped pharmaceutical companies make inroads in the beef industry.

Read Melody’s story: Who Are Animal Scientists Serving?
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Three years ago Antioch College was shuttered. Now it enrolls 33 students, and it’s hatched a plan to attract many more. Lawrence Biemiller, a Chronicle editor, explains the institution’s unique comeback strategy.

Read Lawrence’s story: Antioch Rises From the Ashes
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What makes the American college experience valuable—and how can we preserve it? Andrew Delbanco, director of American studies at Columbia University, wrestles with those questions in his new book, College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be. He spoke with us about why liberal education is a principle worth fighting for and how colleges can lead the charge.

Read Andrew’s commentary: College at Risk
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It might not be what you think. Dan Berrett, a Chronicle reporter, explains why some disciplinary societies are still paying for decisions made decades ago—and charts the path forward for struggling scholarly groups.

Read Dan’s story: Scholarly Groups’ Choices Yield Diverging Fortunes
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After five decades, the massive Dictionary of Regional American English has made it through the alphabet: It just published its fifth volume, covering Sl-Z. The Chronicle‘s Heidi Landecker chats with Joan Houston Hall, the dictionary’s chief editor, about some of her favorite vernacular words and phrases.

Read Heidi’s story: An American Regional Dictionary Explores the Power of Place
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A growing number of admissions officers are having doubts about those big, glossy brochures that get shipped to prospective students. Beckie Supiano, a Chronicle reporter, explains why some viewbooks might be due for a makeover.

Read Beckie’s story: The Glossy Viewbook Loses Its Luster
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In a nation whose institutions typically teach to the test and leave little room for elective courses, general-education programs are starting to gain a foothold. Karin Fischer, a Chronicle reporter, explains why China is growing more interested in the liberal arts.

Read Karin’s story: Bucking Cultural Norms, Asia Tries Liberal Arts
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A growing number of researchers say they can’t, now that their work trickles out to the world through social-media sites instead of journals. Jennifer Howard, a Chronicle reporter, explains how the altmetrics movement intends to pick up the slack.

Read Jennifer’s story: Scholars Seek Better Ways to Track Impact Online
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Six months ago, Biddy Martin traded the chancellorship of the troubled University of Wisconsin at Madison for the presidency of Amherst College. Think her new gig sounds comparatively easy? Think again, says Jack Stripling, a Chronicle reporter.

Read Jack’s story: A New Test of Presidential Leadership
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