Hardback
January 4, 2022
9781421442440
English
216
63476
6
9.00 Inches (US)
6.00 Inches (US)
0.82 Inches (US)
.95 Pounds (US)
$34.95 USD, £29.00 GBP
v2.1 Reference
Electronic book text
January 4, 2022
9781421442457
9781421442440
English
216
63476
6
9.00 Inches (US)
6.00 Inches (US)
$34.95 USD, £29.00 GBP
v2.1 Reference

Leadership Matters

Confronting the Hard Choices Facing Higher Education

Leadership matters more than ever in this turbulent moment in American higher education.

During these unprecedented times, glaring internal inefficiencies, communication breakdowns, and an overriding sense of cultural inertia on many campuses are too often set against a backdrop of changing consumer preferences, high sticker prices, declining demand, massive tuition discounting, aging infrastructure, technological and pedagogical alternatives, and political pressure. Strategic leadership in such a complex environment needs to be exercised in nuanced ways that differ from those embraced by corporate cultures.

In Leadership Matters, W. Joseph King and Brian C. Mitchell argue that the success of higher education institutions depends on strategic leaders who can utilize the strengths of their institutions and leaders to balance internal pressures, shifting demographics, global education needs, and workforce preparation demands beyond the college gates. Drawing on their extensive experience, the authors guide senior administration, trustees, and presidents on how to lead during immense financial, demographic, and social challenges. King and Mitchell believe that, to survive, colleges must be well run—flexible, effective, and forward thinking.

The authors begin with a fundamental premise—that colleges and universities must evolve and adapt by modernizing their practices, monetizing their assets, focusing on core educational strategies, and linking explicitly to the modern world. Discussing a broad range of leadership positions, including presidents, provosts, and board chairs, Leadership Matters touches on strategic planning, management and operations, stakeholder relations, campus and community, accreditation and athletic conferences, and much more. The authors offer an optimistic assessment based upon frank and stark conclusions about what colleges must do—and must not do—to remain relevant in the coming decades.

About the Authors

W. Joseph King is the past president of Lyon College, as well as the former executive director of the National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education and of Rice University's Connexions. Brian C. Mitchell is the president and managing principal of Academic Innovators. He is the past president of Bucknell University and Washington & Jefferson College. Together, King and Mitchell are the coauthors of How to Run a College: A Practical Guide for Trustees, Faculty, Administrators, and Policymakers.

Endorsements

"As higher education institutions meet the crises transforming the sector and the country, leadership is vital. King and Mitchell readily recognize that, just as universities must produce twenty-first-century learners, they must be helmed by leaders with the vision and dynamism to navigate today's challenges."

- Michael Crow, President, Arizona State University

"Drawing on their deep and wide experience, King and Mitchell advocate for a new and emboldened form of leadership in higher education. They argue that the leadership triumvirate—president, board chair, and provost—must lead strategically to overcome the severe financial pressures of the 21st century. Leadership Matters provides a much-needed blueprint for higher education leadership that not only fosters innovation but also reestablishes the important role universities and colleges play in the broader community."

- Sandra J. Peart, Dean and E. Claiborne Robins Distinguished Professor of Leadership Studies, University of Richmond

"Leadership that's committed, inclusive, and strategic is critical for every institution, especially in times of rapidly escalating change. America and the world are in such a period now, and our colleges and universities can and must serve the greater good. Presidents, provosts, board chairs, and other leaders have critical roles to play in ensuring that institutions deliver their missions while adapting to the emerging needs of society, and this thoughtful new book by King and Mitchell provides a comprehensive look at the challenges, opportunities, and imperatives of leadership in higher education for today and tomorrow."

- Daniel R. Porterfield, President/CEO, The Aspen Institute

"King and Mitchell offer compelling insights into the growing complexities of academic leadership. They charge presidents with exercising the moral courage necessary to ensure that colleges and universities will continue to fulfill our nation's historic mission of educating for democracy. Their detailed analysis of challenges faced by institutions results in pragmatic and innovative solutions for strengthening access to excellence and equity in higher education."

- Lynn Pasquerella, President, Association of American Colleges & Universities

Reviews

"Leadership Matters sends a strong message to higher education leadership, addressing the pressing needs for flexibility and adaptation, but also focusing on the tasks for those who govern these "repositories of American culture.""

- Dan Manolescu - Journal of Practical Studies in Education

"Offers thoughtful advice for both novice and experienced campus leaders, particularly in the areas of shared governance and constituent relationships."

Johns Hopkins University Press
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9781421442440 : leadership-matters-king-mitchell
Hardback
216 Pages
$34.95 USD
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Electronic book text
216 Pages
$34.95 USD

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How to Run a College

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