Academic Leadership in Higher Education

The rich diversity of offerings in this text reflects the breadth and complexity of challenges in academic administration today. . . .Never, ever underestimate the value of a good and experienced mentor to provide perspective and much-needed balance. In many ways, this collection serves that very role, with a wealth of perspective informed by years of experience and expertise. It is rare to find such a wealth of knowledge in a single volume, particularly one that covers the full range from department chair to president. . . .[T]he most valuable contribution of this volume is that it provides much-needed perspective for the ambitious academic leader, and it does so in very readable fashion via a collection of individual experiences and stories that have a profoundly informal feel. . . .Learn from some of the best in the country. This is not a text that goes on the shelf. It is one that belongs on your desk for easy access and ready reference. * PsycCRITIQUES *
Academic Leadership in Higher Education: From the Top Down and the Bottom Up is an excellent compendium of advice, personal experience, and resources and one that is sure to be of use to all levels of academic leaders (prospective and future). Even though the book is made up of leader perspectives from research universities, the advice is not limited to those in research focused settings. Regardless of institution type, the book is a valuable go-to reference and a way to learn from the leaders who share their experience, wisdom, and advice. The book is a handy reference and an excellent way to glean insights from experienced leaders in higher education. * The Department Chair *
Academic Leadership in Higher Education: From the Top Down and the Bottom Up is filled with stories written from the perspective of those who have been in the trenches at all levels of academic leadership.  Lessons about the importance of planning, communication, active listening, honesty, ethics, clear expectations, risk taking, optimism, team building, and life balance are highlighted along with practical advice about dealing with smart people, keeping ego in check, and navigating the mine fields of shared governance, academic politics, and employee unions.  -- George R. Boggs Ph.D, President and CEO Emeritus, American Association of Community Colleges and Superintendent/President Emeritus, Palomar College
Academic Leadership in Higher Education is a great read for academic administrators at all levels. This collection, edited by experienced and successful leaders at colleges and universities, is chockfull of practical advice on setting goals, strategic planning, building teams, and garnering much-needed support, with separate chapters detailing real experiences of presidents, provosts, chairs and deans. Several chapters also review leadership advice from past- to present-day notables as it relates to common problem solving in higher ed. Taken together with the conversational tone, concise readable prose, and honest assessments of the joys and tribulations of these challenging jobs, this volume should earn a prominent spot on your professional bookshelf. -- Barbara Couture, CBT consultant, senior advisor to APLU, and former university president, sr. vice chancellor for academic affairs, and dean
Get out your highlighter! This impressive collection of essays is packed with wisdom that all academic administrators will want to read, study, then keep close at hand.  Whether the issue is strategic planning or ethical decision-making, answers jump at you from every page. It is an invaluable resource for sitting, incoming, and aspiring leaders at all levels of higher education, especially in these difficult times. -- R. Owen Williams, president, Associated Colleges of the South, Atlanta, GA
A distinguished group of academic administrators shares in this collection the practical wisdom of long careers as chairs, deans, provosts, and presidents. Their experience touches everything from strategic planning to how to manage your email, from saying “no” to others to planning your own exit strategy.  In a profession notorious for its lack of training  for administrative jobs, this book is as close to a textbook as we are likely to come. -- Linda Ray Pratt, executive vice president and provost, University of Nebraska 2006-2012
If you've ever needed candid, practical administrative advice, read this book.  In separate sections, highly experienced administrators who have served as president, provost, dean and department char provide straightforward, conversational descriptions of what and why and how they approached certain difficult decisions.  Rather than a theoretical text on academic administration, this book is replete with actual examples and advice regarding the inevitable difficult decisions confronted by administrators, ranging from initial planning efforts to negotiating your exit.  Enthusiastically recommended. -- Nancy A. Marlin, professor and provost emerita, San Diego State University