The strength of our nation does not rest on any single institution — but rather on a network of institutions that, together, uphold our highest ideals. There are two constants in the United States: the rule of law and the value of higher education. From my years of service in the judiciary, I can say with conviction that we had no lobbyists, no fundraisers, and no army – we only had our judgment. When the American people lose trust in that judgment, it opens the door for those who wish to tear down the institution itself. The same is true for higher education. When people lose trust in the value of higher education, it opens the door for those who wish to undermine it. Our mission as leaders in education remains more relevant than ever today. Our role in higher education is to shape leaders, nurture critical thinkers, and transform dreamers into doers. Let us explore how we can get there as a community. James E. Shadid is Bradley University’s 13th president. He served as a United States District Judge for the Central District of Illinois, appointed to that position by U.S. President Barack Obama and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 7, 2011. Along the way, he ascended to chief judge during his federal stint on the bench. Prior to that, he was a state judge for 10 years, serving in the five-county 10th Judicial Circuit. After graduating from John Marshall Law School (now University of Illinois at Chicago School of Law) in 1983, he became an attorney in private practice in the Peoria area.As a 1979 Bradley graduate, Shadid has long given back to his alma mater, both as an adjunct professor and as a former university Trustee. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx