Have you ever heard of Frances Perkins? I hadn’t either—until I came across the news about the new national monument dedicated to her remarkable legacy.
The designation of the Frances Perkins National Monument by President Joe Biden in December 2024 was more than a celebration of the first female Cabinet secretary; it is a reminder of the enduring impact of visionary leadership and the transformative power of inclusive governance. For higher education leaders, Perkins’s legacy offers a powerful blueprint for advocating systemic change and advancing equity in institutions that shape the future.
Frances Perkins understood the profound responsibility of government to serve all its people. As the driving force behind foundational policies like Social Security, unemployment insurance, and the 40-hour work week, she revolutionized how the United States viewed its obligations to its citizens. Perkins’s work was rooted in the conviction that government exists not to protect property, but to protect communities—a belief that resonates deeply with the mission of higher education. Just as Perkins fought for the marginalized workers of her time, today’s higher education leaders must advocate for policies and practices that uplift underserved students and promote equity within their institutions.
Her leadership also reminds us that transformative change requires courage, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity. Perkins did not accept her position as Secretary of Labor until President Franklin D. Roosevelt agreed to her ambitious goals, including abolishing child labor and establishing a minimum wage. This kind of boldness is a call to action for all higher education leaders to articulate their visions unapologetically and advocate for the support necessary to bring those visions to life. Whether it’s dismantling barriers to access, diversifying leadership pipelines, or integrating AI tools to better serve all students, Perkins’s legacy challenges us to lead with purpose and resolve.
Equally important was her focus on accountability and sustainability. Perkins’s policies fundamentally shifted the American government’s focus to long-term, equitable solutions—a principle that will resonate with higher education in our quest to foster diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking communities. We have a unique opportunity to follow her example by building systems that not only respond to immediate needs but also anticipate and adapt to future challenges, ensuring that higher education remains a catalyst for societal progress.
As higher education faces its own crossroads in the 21st century, Frances Perkins’s life and legacy serve as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when leaders center their work on justice, equity, and the common good. For many who are navigating leadership in spaces where their presence is still a radical act, Perkins’s story underscores the importance of perseverance, vision, and using one’s platform to drive change. She forged a path not just for herself, but for all who believe that leadership is about serving others and creating systems that allow everyone to thrive.
Frances Perkins’s legacy is a testament to what can be achieved when we lead with conviction and a sense of shared purpose. Her work reminds us that the fight for equity, whether in government or higher education, is ongoing—and that we, too, have the power to leave an indelible mark on the institutions we serve.
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