This final thoughts/perspective paper from my CCHE 680 class examines the changing role of four-year universities, emphasizing the need for acceptance, accessibility, and student support within the framework of the ‘5th Wave’ of higher education. The paper discusses COVID-19 and its effects on access and fairness in education, especially for students who had difficulties accessing it due to their socioeconomic or demographics. It explores the concept of education as a public good. This assignment highlights the importance of rethinking traditional education to focus on students’ overall development and how it has a positive impact on society.