Advice & News

Strategic Planning: The Janus Perspective March 9, 2026

A president emeritus explains how learning from the past, preparing for the future, and looking both inward and outward are essential to successful university strategic planning.

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Understanding the Meaning of Institutional Neutrality, Academic Freedom, and Autonomy February 10, 2026

"Institutional neutrality," "academic freedom," and "institutional autonomy" are often cited but not always clearly understood. This article revisits their meaning and why they still matter.

The Foundations of Undergraduate Education: Principles To Share with Students November 24, 2025

A president emeritus shares a perspective on the value of undergraduate education and important lessons to share with current and prospective students on any college campus.

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American Higher Education: A View of the Future October 2, 2025

A seasoned higher education leader examines the pressing challenges colleges face today and offers perspective on a possible solution to keep local institutions alive and thriving.

A Roadmap to Thrive in College and Beyond August 18, 2025

Recommending -- or even requiring -- the book "Embrace Your Freedom" would be a wise choice for any institution committed to helping students understand the purpose and potential of their college experience.

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The Imperatives for Improved Academic Governance July 23, 2025

Governing boards need to be clear about their responsibilities, vigilant in performing their duties, and prepared for shifts in their operating environment. Here's a look at how boards may lead more effectively.

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American Higher Education: What I Admire, What Causes Me Anguish June 26, 2025

A long-time college leader reflects on the enduring strengths and persistent challenges of American higher education.

The Fourth “I” in Campus Priorities: A Primer for University Leaders April 17, 2025

Promoting international or intercultural understanding is one of the more challenging priorities for colleges to implement, but there are some services to make it easier and most cost-effective.

University Foundations: A President’s Perspective March 14, 2025

A seasoned college leader discusses institutionally related foundations, which he says can be valuable partners to affiliated institutions, especially when traditional sources of funding are problematic.

Hand turning wooden blocks reading 'global' and 'local'

Think Globally, Act Locally: The Role of Higher Education February 17, 2025

How can a Pulitzer Prize-winning microbiologist and author's advice to "think globally and act locally" be applied to higher education?

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The Language of Strategic Thinking December 23, 2024

Administrative staff and faculty serving on campus planning committees, institutional accreditation self-study teams, and other campus-wide task forces must engage in strategic thinking, not just long-range planning.

First-Year Seminars: A Recipe for Retention October 28, 2024

First-year seminars are an important building block for students. Valuable skills are baked into these programs -- ones that will ultimately help retain students.

Decoding College Rankings: Which Ones Matter September 27, 2024

Ranking colleges is a big business, but faculty and staff should consider which ones are truly helpful before promoting them.

Young female activist holding megaphone at protest

What We Can Learn from Campus Protests August 14, 2024

A former college president shares insight on how higher education leaders can respond appropriately to protests when they arise.

A Deep Dive into Universities August 8, 2024

Robert A. Scott, president emeritus of Adelphi University, shares his take on "City of Intellect: The Uses and Abuses of the University" by Nicholas B. Dirks.

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The Criticisms of Higher Education: A Reply July 8, 2024

There are criticisms about the purpose of higher education, the costs and debt, and the curriculum, but many of the complaints are either ill-founded or cited without context.

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Applying Lessons Learned about Coaching to Help Executives April 4, 2024

We live in a world in which effective leadership is more necessary than ever. When good leadership prevails, organizations and people prosper.

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4 Dynamics Undermining American Higher Education March 7, 2024

A college president emeritus shares four lesser-known dynamics that have undermined the foundations of American higher education and explains how colleges can change course.

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Searching for Leaders in Higher Education February 7, 2024

A president emeritus shares how to conduct an honest and active search for your institution's next leader.

A Roadmap for Crisis Management January 18, 2024

A former university president says this book is an important primer for leaders of universities and other organizations to read when thinking about their crisis communications plan.

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