Abstract:

The United States has become the center of higher education in the world because of the rise of the first-class universities in the United States before the World War II. From the perspective of historical evolution, the rise of the first-class universities in the United States is due to attach importance to the innovation of university cultural paradigm; create a pluralistic and open higher education system; provide strong financial support for first-class universities; be good at seizing the accidental opportunities of history; choose university president with excellent leadership. If China wants to become a powerful country in higher education, it can learn from the experience of the rise of first-class universities in the United States. In the process of actively promoting the construction of “Double-First Class”, it is necessary to carry out the local innovation of higher education model; build a benign interactive relationship between universities, government and society; stable and diversified investment channels; emphasis on the selection and appointment of outstanding university leaders.

Key words: Before the World War II, American higher education, Construction of first-class universities, Powerful Country of Higher Education