Michael S. Roth is the 16th president of Wesleyan University. He has overseen the launch of academic programs at Wesleyan as well as four new interdisciplinary colleges emphasizing advanced research and cohort building. He has also undertaken several initiatives that have energized the curriculum and helped to make a Wesleyan education more affordable and accessible to students from under-represented groups. 

 His 2014 book, “Beyond the University: Why Liberal Education Matters,” was recognized with the Association of American Colleges & Universities’ Frederic W. Ness award for a book that best illuminates the goals and practices of a contemporary liberal education. His newest book, “Safe Enough Spaces: A Pragmatist’s Approach to Inclusion, Free Speech, and Political Correctness,” addresses some of the most contentious issues in American higher education, including affirmative action, safe spaces, and questions of free speech.