Colleges and Universities Books

Unfortunately this book is out of print, which makes it difficult to find, but it is worth the trouble of finding a copy. I know there is a lot of grad school survival information out there. This one is exceptional for it's comprehensive scope, timelessness, and succinctness. It is directed towards those students who would be conducting a project or a thesis, but generally it applies.

Iris captures the reality of the importance of a ture partnership between not just the presidents,the trustees but also the importance of getting the commuity involded.

Dickeson's book is a comprehensive manual for academic administrators at all levels who need to maximize resources because of cutbacks. Since the most likely source for needed resources is reallocation of existing resources, he suggests a means to prioritize programs so administrators can make well-informed decisions. Dickeson's ideas have a firm basis in practical applicaitons. He has served as a university president and is currently president of a consulting firm that has guided hundreds of colleges and universities through program prioritization. This book contains checklists at all stages of the planning process plus samples of actual priortizing plans and is a very useful resource not only at the institutional level but for any program undergoing review.

The Commission on the Future of Higher Education challenges colleges and universities to focus on the success of their teaching. Many of the public universities will now be challenged to survive in the same form, as the authors suggest. Two alternate futures emerge--colleges and universities responsive to the needs of students and public, or privatization of higher education. This book is one of the very few that look at these alternatives and document the historical trends that create the current impasse. Good reading, especially for investors who may want to buy a college or university.

Holt studies Jamaica,from the emanicpation of the slaves to the labor problems faced by ex-slaves in the 1930s. But the narrow focus is misleading - really Holt writes about "the problem of freedom:" the tast of socializing ex-slaves into becoming productive laborers - the problem of convincing freedpeople that it's in their best interest to labor for tiny wages, for the profit of the wealthy. Another major focus is the inherent contradictions of classical liberalism - economic freedom does and always has required brutal and blatent inequalities in the political and social spheres.

Certainly not everyone will agree with Holt, but his argumentation and analysis are impeccable. If you believe that self-determination and free enterprise are practically the same thing - or if you think that capitalism and democracy are one and the same - you must read Holt's book.

Compiled and edited by Stephen R. Haynes (A. B. Curry Chair of Religious Studies at Rhodes College), Professing In The Postmodern Academy: Faculty And The Future Of Church-Related Colleges is a collection of learned essays studying religiously affiliated collegiate institutions in America, as perceived through the observations of faculty members committed to the future of such institutions of higher learning. Exploring educational opportunities in postmodern times, Biblical conflicts that affect day-to-day teaching, the intersection between mission and curriculum, and a great deal more, Professing In The Postmodern Academy is an informative, thoughtful, question-raising study which is highly recommended reading -- especially for all who attend or contribute to a religious college.

Enjoyed the read with its easy format and quotes, and practical points that we must take some steps to enhance the US university education process to stay competitive and refocus on the student education side versus such research only focus. Crucial to keeping the US competitive over the next decade plus.

highly recommend reading this.

Silverman's book gives a clear and well organized overview of the process of writing for academia. He covers a wide range of relevant aspects of publishing scholarly work, from setting up a writing schedule to preparing a portfolio for tenure. He explains the difference between peer-review journals and other print and electronic venues. I was interested in his thoughts about why it helps to know the editor of a journal, how one should think about finding a publisher for a book and ways of managing relationships with collaborators. He does a good job of explaining how one can begin to develop a national reputation and the importance of developing a research niche. He even gives suggestions about writing grants and describes different types of funding sources. Perhaps my favorite part of the book is his final chapter about how to handle rejections. He acknowledges that being turned down by funding agencies and journals is inevitable and frequent even for the most talented scholars. He believes (as do I) that rebounding from the disappointment of a rejected paper or grant is one of the most important skills that a successful academic can develop.

Silverman himself is an established Professor of Speech Pathology at Marquette University. Yet, unlike some advice books about academia, he has not based his book solely on personal experience. He quotes many other writers and academics and has clearly read widely on the topic. The quotes with which he begins chapters are delightful. He has also interviewed colleagues and quotes them when relevant. When he does share his own experience it is inspiring. For example, he is a strong proponent of short stints of regular daily writing and can back up his claim that such habits work. He writes every morning for a half hour and describes the results of this habit:

"I have used this strategy for the past 30 years. It has enabled me to produce approximately 125 journal articles and 12 books while carrying a full faculty load. I write every morning (immediately after waking and having a cup or two of coffee)for 30 minutes to an hour. By doing so, I have been able to draft manuscripts for 300- to 500-page books in approximately 18 months." (p. 64)

Silverman's advice is sage and although much of what he covers is basic, there are tips and ideas that even a seasoned academic may find interesting. This book is best suited for a novice tenure-track assistant professor in any field. It will also be useful to adjuncts attempting to get tenure track jobs and to grad students and post-docs preparing for a university career.

I am a clinical psychologist who counsels, teaches and coaches junior faculty trying to get tenure and graduate students working on their dissertations. I will definitely be recommending this helpful manual to my clients.

"Pure Gold" is a collection of experiences with Bobby Bowden shared by former players, associates, 3 of his sons, and rivals.

Charlie Ward's Introduction gave insights into both a great coach and a man of integrity.

I was struck by some of the names of former assistants on Bill Peterson's FSU staff. Not only Bobby Bowden but future successful coaches in the NFL and Super bowl champions.

A recurring theme throughout the book is Coach Bowden's work ethic and character that he instilled in his players and the assistant coaches that worked for him.

The turnaround that he was able to instigate with a dying football program is monumental. From a one-win season to an undefeated season four years later!

A lot of the contributors praised the coach for teaching goal setting and for his skill as a motivator.

Any Seminole fan will remember some of the legendary trick plays or unexpected plays that are discussed in the book by some of the players that participated. Bobby Bowden had a knack for play-calling and he's been an innovator with his offense over the years.

His concept of player discipline has been criticized in the past. It was interesting to read what the guys on his staff and Tom Osborne have said in his defense. That gives another perspective on why Bobby Bowden punishes the individual player and not the entire team.

"Pure Gold" is an entertaining read for any Bowden/Seminole fan.

I love this book about my many times great grandfather. It is very well written (although deep) and tells the story of one who is never really appreciated outside of CT (and Dorcester, MA)