HigherEdJobs Author in Residence

Christopher D. Lee, Ph.D., SPHR is an expert when it comes to the higher education search process. His book, Search Committees: A Comprehensive Guide to Successful Faculty Staff and Administrative Searches proves that. For our summer Author in Residence series, Dr. Lee will flip the tables and focus his blog posts on the job seeker. He will provide insight to the candidate on how a search committee works as well as how to navigate the job search process.

Finding the right candidate for administrative, professional and faculty positions is one of the most important tasks that any institution or enterprise undertakes. However, few higher education professionals receive training on the search committee process, but are expected to serve on or lead committees.

It is widely believed that higher education is not what it used to be. Politicians are calling for a complete overhaul and the public is losing confidence in the institution. Many will agree that U.S. colleges and universities are in crisis. Authors Frank McCluskey and Melanie Winter, who have a combined 70 plus years in higher education, are optimistic about the future of the academy with one caveat. Institutions must come to terms with the digital revolution and the changes that have been imposed on the acquisition, storage and transmission of information, all while remaining true to its fundamental mission. In The Idea of the Digital University, the authors argue that the forces that have brought about these changes are the very tools we need to solve them.

Examining college student expectations, aspirations, academics, attitudes, values, beliefs, social life, and politics, Generation on a Tightrope paints a portrait of today's undergraduates based on a study of 5,000 college students and 270 higher education professionals from various college campuses. Authors Diane R. Dean and Arthur Levine discuss the needs and attitudes of today's undergrads, with a look at how colleges and universities can address them.

What makes a great teacher? How do teachers connect with students? Why do teachers choose to teach? If you've ever thought about these questions or are interested in learning insight into the world of teaching, Dr. Bill Smoot's book, Conversations with Great Teachers, will interest you. Our most current author in residence has a written an intriguing book of interviews with educators of diverse backgrounds. Dr. Smoot shares what he has learned from various teachers from elementary school to university professors and others outside k-12 and higher education. It is a delightful book that offers the reader appreciation for the ever important role of the teacher.

In Turf Wars: How Congressional Committees Claim Jurisdiction, Dr. King discusses how jurisdictions are able to fluctuate and how turf battles occur and their potential effects. Drawing on his expertise in these matters, our next author in residence will discuss how the potential results of the upcoming presidential and congressional elections may affect higher education policy.

According to Richard P. Keeling and Richard H. Hersh, co-authors of We're Losing our Minds: Rethinking American Higher Education, "America is being held back by the quality and quantity of learning in college. This is a true educational emergency." Based on years of experience working as faculty, administrators and consultants in academia, Keeling and Hersh offer an honest and straightforward dissection of the educational system, but also propose meaningful solutions on how to overcome this crisis in higher education and make our students of today the sound leaders of tomorrow.

The Innovative University, written by Clayton M. Christensen and Henry J. Eyring, discusses how universities can be cutting-edge in their thinking and functioning, while still maintaining tradition. We are fortunate to have Henry Eyring as our next Author In Residence blogger for 2011. A recent review of the book states, "This superbly documented book is a must read for anyone who cares about America's universities and colleges and the invaluable role they play in our contemporary society. Henry Eyring and Clayton Christensen remind us of higher education's history and thoughtfully examine the critical strands of its DNA that require 're-engineering' to insure survival and good health for our richly diverse system. Perhaps the best feature of this volume is that it goes beyond analysis to offer what is possible through models that are scalable, transferable, and responsive to the needs of learning, discovery, and engagement."

The Heart of Higher Education, written by Parker Palmer and Arthur Zajonc, inspires the reader to look beyond the traditional thinking of higher education and examine the student as a whole. We are fortunate to have Arthur Zajonc as our first Author In Residence blogger for 2011. A recent review of the book states, "Palmer and Zajonc have issued a compelling call for change and renewal in higher education. They show us how colleges and universities can be transformed by taking a more integrated approach to teaching and learning that focuses on the inner lives of their students." As stated by the authors, "The Heart of Higher Education is for all who are new to the field of integrative education, all who want to deepen their understanding of its challenges and prospects, and all who want to practice and promote this vital approach to teaching and learning on their campuses."

HigherEdJobs is pleased to introduce the Fall Semester 2010 Author in Residence blogger, Jonathan R. Cole, and his book, The Great American University. A review from The Economist states, "His book is really three, each a magisterial work. First, he sets out an admirably comprehensive history of how America's great universities came into being. Then, he trawls for examples of the enriching inventiveness of these institutions, listing the extraordinary range of innovations in technology and in thinking that have sprung from their research. Finally, he outlines the forces that threaten America's research universities."

Peter Weddle's book, Work Strong: Your Personal Career Fitness System, has been called the What Color is Your Parachute? for the 21st century. It explores what it takes to achieve and sustain career success in the modern American workplace. Using physical fitness as a metaphor, it introduces both a new way of looking at work and a regimen of practical activities to increase the strength, reach and endurance of one's career.