New Book Explores Changing College Leadership

Michael T. Miller and G. David Gearhart
Photos by University Relations

Michael T. Miller and G. David Gearhart

A new book edited by two U of A College of Education and Health Professions faculty members explores the changing dynamics, expectations and roles of college leaders.

The Changing Role of College and University Leadership, edited by Higher Education professors Michael T. Miller and G. David Gearhart, includes 21 chapters that delve into the complexities of college administration.

"What we really tried to do was provide a broad overview of how college administration and leadership are changing," said Gearhart, who also directs the National Lab for the Study of the College President. "With growing public accountability, technological changes and evolving business models for colleges and universities, this book was long overdue."

The book includes chapters on topics such as presidential leadership's role in promoting diversity, fundraising, STEM enrollment growth, creating institutional brands and effective leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I think two of the chapters that really stand out to me are the chapters by Stephen Nelson at Brown University on the history of the college president and Randall Brumfield of the Louisiana Board of Regents chapter on president and board relations," Miller said. "These are pretty common topics, but the chapters provide a depth into these issues that hasn't been seen before."

With a national representation of authors, several U of A alumni are included in the list of authors. "We were able to re-connect with some of our outstanding alumni to help contribute to this book," Miller said. "Among others, we have Ashley Aylett, who graduated from the Adult and Lifelong Learning doctoral program and now works with Arkansas Community Colleges; David Tolliver, who is a Public Policy doctoral graduate and is now at Southwest Minnesota State; and Adam Morris, who is the vice president for academic affairs at Crowder College. They all have unique professional experiences and were able to contribute in important ways to this book."

The book, released in May 2021, was published by IGI Global Press and is part of the Advances in Higher Education Book Series.

Contacts

Michael T. Miller, professor
Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders
479-575-3582, mtmille@uark.edu

Shannon Magsam, director of communications
College of Education and Health Professions
479-575-3138, magsam@uark.edu

Headlines

Peter Ungar Chosen as Member of the National Academy of Sciences

A distinguished professor of anthropology and director of environmental dynamics, Ungar is the first U of A faculty member to be elected to the prestigious Academy.

Ag Technology Students Visit Greenway Equipment, Learn About Advances in Machinery

Members of the U of A's Agricultural Systems and Technology Club recently spent a day at the Greenway Technology Farm in Newport to learn about advances featured in John Deere tractors and machinery.

College of Education and Health Professions WE CARE Everywhere Campaign Kicks Off This Summer

Retractable scroll banners with the phrase "WE CARE Everywhere" are small enough to fit any suitcase and just waiting for your chance to shine in social media posts throughout the summer.

Staff Senators for 2024-25 Elected

Twelve newly elected staff members will begin serving the U of A staff community for three-year terms beginning July 1 on the university's Staff Senate.

Matlock Briefs Congressional Staff Regarding Crop Sustainability Research

Professor Marty Matlock briefed U.S. House of Representative and Senate staff members on research conducted by the U of A regarding the effects of management practices on crop sustainability.

News Daily