Stylus Publishing (VA) A Guide for Leaders in Higher Education: Concepts, Competencies, and Tools

Review "Academic leadership is one of the few professions with absolutely no formal training. Leaders in higher education come to their position without leadership training, without prior executive experience; without a clear understanding of their roles; and without understanding the cost to their academic and personal lives. With only 3% of universities and colleges providing professional development for its academic leaders, the time of amateur administration is over. Too much is at stake in this time of change to let leadership be left to chance. A Guide for Leaders in Higher Education is a 'must read' and centerpiece for current and prospective academic leaders--and university professional development programs."--Walt Gmelch "Dean Emeritus and Professor of Leadership Studies, University of San Francisco""After an award-winning 1st edition, Brent Ruben, Richard De Lisi, and Ralph Gigliotti are back with a 2nd edition of A Guide for Leaders in Higher Education Concept, Competencies, and Tools. This book could not come at a better time given the leadership challenges facing society like COVID-19 and issues of equity and social justice. The authors not only address higher education's role in meeting these challenges, but they expand their treatment of the book's core concepts and tools. As a result, they bridge theory and practice and underscore the communicative foundation of academic leadership in sophisticated fashion. The continuing importance of their work cannot be underestimated. It is a resource that all academic leaders need--and will thoroughly enjoy."--Gail T. Fairhurst "Distinguished University Research Professor, University of Cincinnati""If universities want to improve and be prepared for the inevitable turbulences in the future, they must commit themselves to developing a new generation of leaders who possess analytic, strategic, and operational skills. The best way to do so is by identifying industry-wide best practices and then inculcating them into one's own institution. This is precisely where A Guide for Leaders in Higher Education intervenes. Brent Ruben, Richard De Lisi, and Ralph Gigliotti with a seasoned and insightful roster of contributors who understand the nuances of the higher education landscape, identify the challenges and opportunities that leaders will encounter, and guide the reader through case studies that will move the pursuit of leadership from the abstract toward the concrete. We are living in an unstable age in which colleges and universities come under withering and relentless attacks for any number of shortcomings, real or imagined. Higher education leaders, if identified and trained properly, can thwart these attacks and change the narrative, ensuring their institutions continue to engage in the essential activities they do best. A Guide for Leaders in Higher Education is a major intervention, and it is appearing at precisely the right moment."--Jonathan Scott Holloway "President, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey""There is an urgent need for leadership in higher education to confront the complexity of interdependent issues with the relevance and criticality of higher learning. This book offers leadership concepts and competencies for leader development and organizational effectiveness with the greater purpose of impacting higher education for a better society."--Cynthia Cherrey "President and CEO, International Leadership Association""This book is unique in providing both frameworks and vital information needed for successful leadership in higher education. I recommend it to all of our department chairs and use it in our leadership development program. Coverage of essential topics such as the changing landscape of higher education, perspectives on leadership, and communication strategies for academic leaders makes this an essential resource for aspiring and current academic leaders."--Eliza K. Pavalko "Vice Provost for Faculty & Academic Affairs; and Allen D. and Poll