The definition of an educated person has been relatively stable over time. The consensus is that a truly educated person understands events in the basic history of the world and their inherent implications, including the role ideas play in driving change. Additionally, the educated person has learned and can apply specific skills related to his or her profession. This combination of "liberal arts" along with employment skills creates a truly "Renaissance man (or woman)" who feels comfortable any place in the world.

Increasingly, scholars are finding a union of the skills needed in the workforce with the basic liberal arts background. According to the American Association of Colleges and Universities employers are asking colleges for students with skills in science and technology, teamwork in diverse groups, the ability to solve problems and communication as the key variables for student success. The American College Testing Corp. in a study in 2006, found that the skills needed for successful careers and those needed for success in college are nearly identical. The National Governor's Association echoed that belief in its report on changes needed in career and technical education.

I believe the educated person is more vitally important today than at any time in the past. The shrinking world, the speed and volatility of our economy, high technology jobs, environmental issues and high technology health care all call for emphasizing the educated person.

I hope the political system will regain some balance and place greater emphasis on reasonable, well-thought analysis by educated people of the troubles we face. In Utah, we should celebrate and promote the value of the educated person and strive to increase their number and quality. That's what our conference was all about last week. It is why our faculty and students find our work so fulfilling.

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William A. Sederburg is the Utah commissioner of higher education.