

W. Joseph King and Brian C. Mitchell, authors of How to Run a College
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...
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.
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."
Offers thoughtful advice for both novice and experienced campus leaders, particularly in the areas of shared governance and constituent relationships.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1. Presidents, Provosts, and Board Chairs
Chapter 2. Strategic Planning
Chapter 3. Management and Operations
Chapter 4. Stakeholder Relations
Chapter 5. Campus
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1. Presidents, Provosts, and Board Chairs
Chapter 2. Strategic Planning
Chapter 3. Management and Operations
Chapter 4. Stakeholder Relations
Chapter 5. Campus and Community
Chapter 6. Accreditors, Athletic Conferences, and Beyond
Chapter 7. Measuring Success
Chapter 8. Innovation
Chapter 9. Why Leadership Matters
Notes
Index
with Hopkins Press Books