面對全球高等教育快速變動的趨勢,2025年7月8日,Stevens Institute of Technology 工程與科學學院院長 Jean Zu 教授應邀來台,於國立臺灣大學機械系繡山演講廳發表「International Study and Challenges Facing Higher Education in US」專題演講,與現場師生分享美國高等教育所面臨的挑戰與轉型方向。Stevens 是美國歷史最悠久的私立科技大學之一,其工程與科學學院為校內最大學院,涵蓋多元理工領域,並以創新精神與研發實力聞名,量子科技為近年研究重點之一。Jean Zu 教授在演講中介紹了 Stevens 的校務發展與課程改革經驗,並深入分析美國高教所面臨的幾項關鍵問題,包括國際學生比例偏低、中美地緣政治影響導致中國留學生減少、學校財務壓力、美國高等教育學費結構與學生貸款負擔,以及科技型大學如何透過課程創新因應快速變遷的未來。演講中指出,Stevens 推動 Frontiers of Technology 系列課程,涵蓋人工智慧與機器學習、數據科學與分析、生物技術、永續發展及量子科技等五大未來關鍵領域,並配合調整學分結構與課程配置,強化學生對未來科技的理解與應變能力,實現課程創新的目標。也透過基礎課程,幫助學生建立包括寫作與批判性思維、溝通、領導力、倫理等全面的基礎能力。此次演講強調,儘管美國高等教育具備強勁的國際競爭力,仍正面臨國際學生結構變化、財務挑戰及教育內容革新的多重壓力。對臺灣而言,面對少子化、跨域整合及人工智慧快速發展的背景,如何重塑課程架構、提升學生未來競爭力與社會信任,也同樣是高教改革的核心課題。Professor Jean Zu, Dean of Engineering and Science at Stevens Institute of Technology, delivered a compelling talk on the evolving challenges facing US higher education. She highlighted key issues such as shifting international student demographics, financial pressures, and curriculum innovation, while showcasing Stevens’ forward-looking programs in AI, quantum technology, sustainability, and more. Her insights offer valuable perspectives for global educators navigating the future of higher education.On July 8, 2025, Professor Jean Zu, Dean of the School of Engineering and Science at Stevens Institute of Technology, gave a special talk at National Taiwan University. She spoke about the key challenges and future directions of higher education in the United States, especially in a time of global change.Stevens Institute of Technology is one of the oldest private universities in the U.S. focused on science and technology. Its School of Engineering and Science is the largest college at the university and covers a wide range of STEM fields. In her talk, Professor Zu explained how the school is improving its programs to respond to current trends. She also discussed several major challenges faced by U.S. universities today, including a decline in international student numbers, growing financial pressure on institutions, rising tuition fees and student loan burdens, and the urgent need to update academic programs to keep pace with fast-developing technologies.Professor Zu introduced Stevens’ Frontiers of Technology course series, which focuses on five key areas for the future: artificial intelligence and machine learning, data science, biotechnology, sustainability, and quantum technology. The school has adjusted its credit system and course design to help students better understand these emerging fields. At the same time, Stevens emphasizes skills like writing, communication, leadership, and ethics to prepare students for both work and society.In her talk, Professor Zu shared that while U.S. universities remain strong globally, they are under pressure to change. These include shifts in student populations, financial difficulties, and the need to innovate. For Taiwan, amid declining birth rates, increasing need for interdisciplinary education, and rapid growth in AI, redesigning curriculum and building students’ future competitiveness are also important goals for higher education reform.