In a newly published book, Cornell President David Skorton advises the next U.S. president that America's colleges and universities have potential to serve as one of the nation's "most effective and credible diplomatic assets." The advice comes in his chapter, one of the 21 essays in the book, on the role of universities in strengthening America's contribution to the world.

The essays, all by leaders in U.S. education, are intended as advice about higher education for the next occupant of the White House. The book, "Letters to the Next President: Strengthening America's Foundation in Higher Education," edited by Stephen Trachtenberg, president emeritus of George Washington University, will be made available to presidential candidates and other elected officials.

Surveying the past half-century, Skorton writes, "We are still a rich and powerful nation by any measure, but, unfortunately, one that all too often inspires not respect but resentment and even hatred."

America's colleges and universities, he says, "have the potential to serve as one of our country's most effective and credible diplomatic assets while also increasing the ability of American students to be effective participants in the global economy."

Furthermore, he writes, international students who return home with an American degree not only have a more positive view of this country but also often continue to collaborate with U.S. colleagues. Only by coming together in this way and others can the world tackle such issues as global climate change, alternative energy and global health issues.

As an example of international collaboration, Skorton cites the Cornell-Nanking Crop Improvement Program carried out in China between 1925 and 1931 to improve food crops in northern China and train Chinese workers in crop improvement techniques.

Cornell, he writes, has more than 150 agreements to offer education programs in 50 countries in many disciplines and intends to "increase the pace of these international collaborations and exchanges as we build educational capacity with our colleagues overseas."

In an era of heightened concern about security, Skorton writes, "The next president of the United States should continue to seek the advice of higher education on issues that impact our nation's security," adding that visa restrictions and export controls need continually to be fine-tuned "to derive the maximum benefit from transnational interaction while minimizing the risks."

Skorton also urges increased support for language teaching and concludes his essay, "I challenge the next president of the United States, regardless of party affiliation, to think broadly about how the nation's colleges and universities can improve their effectiveness and impact as a positive force in international diplomacy and as contributors to the well-being of the world's people and the sustainability of our planet. International capacity building will benefit the U.S. economically and in terms of the respect we command in the world."

The book, published by Korn/Ferry International, is available for download at http://www.kornferry.com/Publication/9150.