Deputy Vice-Chancellor International at the University of Melbourne, Michael Wesley looks at the way tertiary education is perceived by Australian society.

Attacked from the right as part of the culture wars and from the left for its over- reliance on overseas student numbers, the university sector is rebuilding after the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mind of the Nation examines the issues facing the sector, which is still regarded as one of the most prestigious in the world.

The author looks at tabloid accusations that universities are too “woke”, how universities cater to students from less-affluent backgrounds and how they deal with the clash of commercialisation and integrity.

Universities are among the biggest sources of export dollars for the Australian economy. This book looks at how this industry can thrive into the future.