American research universities are arguably the world's most powerful engines of innovation and discovery. Yet they are widely misunderstood and in danger of losing their capacity to drive economic progress and improve our lives. Jonathan Cole, John Mitchell Mason University Professor at Columbia University, notes that the preeminence of American universities was not preordained, but rather a result of intentional policies that provided the structure, values and support that allowed American universities to flourish within the last century. Cole's book, "The Great American University," details American universities' rise to preeminence; provides ample evidence of the new knowledge and life-changing discoveries flowing from them; and discusses the threats--internal as well as external--to their continued preeminence. Cole presents a reasoned and eloquent argument for the need to sustain and enhance the American tradition of excellence in higher education, so as to preserve this powerful national resource. Excerpts of Cole's remarks at the Forum's 2010 Aspen Symposium are reprinted here.