Nonprofit and Philanthropic Studies: Education for What?

Abstract

In closing remarks to conference participants, Raul Yzaguirre offers observations about nonprofit management education and its future. He notes that the nonprofit sector is growing in importance and impact, so it is not surprising that higher education has taken notice by developing degrees and programs. He acknowledges the role universities play in educating and professionalizing nonprofit management and leadership. However, he o fers caution about such programs by posing a danger. The danger is the possibility of migrating from a sector characterized by passion, citizen involvement, creativity, cause-oriented activism, and compassion with all its faults and all its messiness to one that is known for good management but sterile in ideas, lukewarm in passion, professionally detached from human suffering, and sheepishly obedient to whomever is ruling the state. Yzaguirre closes by extending a challenge to the sector to ensure inclusion and a welcoming environment by embracing others and reflecting American society.