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[anthroid]

Well, only 1150 of the 4000 IHEs in the country belong to the AAC&U.  At the same time, if the president hasn't even heard of it, then the president is clearly not well connected within higher education and does not have a HE background nor values the resources in this resource-rich field... but you probably knew that already.

A friend of mine is a provost and he says that his favorite question for candidates for decanal and other high-level positions is, "What is the last book you have read about higher education?"  It disqualifies a surprisingly large number of people.

I saw Sibyl's post over on the Administrative Track forum and I was really struck by her provost friend's question.  It's an excellent question, and one any dean candidate should be ready to answer immediately.  It made me wonder:  what are forum chairs and deans (and other forumites of course!) reading lately about higher ed?  Why?

I've been given a copy of Bok's Our Underachieving Colleges but have yet to crack it open.  I did read some reviews, which seemed positive; colleagues where I am found the book offensive.

[science_expat]

I've recently read Steven Sample's book on contrarian leadership and have started (but put down) Stanley Fish's "Save the world in your own time". I've also read a couple of related books that aren't focused on academia.

Why? I'm just starting my first formal leadership role in HE (chair level) and the books help me focus my thoughts.

Good question, I agree.

[madhatter]

The last one I read is New Players, Different Game: Understanding the Rise of For-Profit Colleges and Universities by William G. Tierney and Guilbert C. Hentschke. Tierney's work on trends in higher education and governance is very good.

[anthroid]

I've recently read Steven Sample's book on contrarian leadership and have started (but put down) Stanley Fish's "Save the world in your own time". I've also read a couple of related books that aren't focused on academia.

Why? I'm just starting my first formal leadership role in HE (chair level) and the books help me focus my thoughts.

Good question, I agree.

What are the related books, if I may pry?

[science_expat]

Good to Great and the supplement for those in the public sector. Also Hard Facts, Dangerous Half-Truths, and Total Nonsense as well as The No a**hole Rule.

It's a good thing this is an anonymous forum or my colleagues would slag me mercilessly.

[farm_boy]

And don't forget my book.

[anthroid]

And don't forget my book.

Sure, as long you remember to include mine.