I have counseled so many young people on the fantastic education opportunities offered by two-year colleges. The teachers who work there are there to teach, not do research as they shuffle off undergraduate responsibilities to teaching assistants.

I say that not at all to disparage professors at big universities, many of whom like James Knight are excellent, dedicated teachers. But two-year colleges in the United States provide invaluable services for young people who need to learn and can’t afford (or aren’t adequately prepared for) big universities.

They offer classes to adults who want to add on to their education without pursuing a degree. They offer vocational classes to students who never wanted a degree in the first place, something we probably need a bit more of in the United States.

I have a great deal of respect for Dr. Biden’s commitment to education. Two year colleges are unglamorous but critical workhorses of our post-secondary educational system, and she did an important work researching them to get her PhD.

Thanks for your article pointing out the elitism of those who would disparage her work.