January 10, 2010

Administrators Must Dispel the Derogatory Myths About Professors

Administrators Must Dispel the Derogatory Myths About Professors 1

Michael Morgenstern for The Chronicle

By Steven C. Bahls

As president of Augustana College, I live in two worlds: that of higher education, and that of the "outside world" beyond campus borders. For decades I have listened to alumni, parents, local residents, and even complete strangers express their opinions about academe—often while reciting certain derogatory myths regarding college professors. On occasion, I even hear my presidential colleagues doing the same. Popular complaints include:

  • Managing professors is like herding