The selection of Mark Becker of Georgia State, best known for its focus on student success, reinforces the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ increased emphasis on improving student outcomes. The flagship orientation was no accident: APLU—unlike its sister organization, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, whose members include comprehensive and undergraduate-focused public universities concentrated as much on teaching as on research—has historically emphasized issues such as science policy, international education and funding for research.
