Enhancing Leadership in Colleges and Universities: A Case Approach

In view of the serious challenges facing college and university administrators, it is encouraging to note the increased interest in improving leadership knowledge and skills. This book presents an additional option to college and university administrators in their efforts to enhance their leadership skills. The case study approach to improving insights and skills in leadership is predicated on the belief that leadership is learned, and that it often requires courage to act and to live with the consequences of one's actions. The book includes 18 cases on a variety of issues being faced by college and university leaders. Its purpose is to encourage administrators to enhance their ability to make decisions by focusing on the decision-making process and by thinking about the consequences of the various options available to them. The options presented in each case can be expanded by those studying and discussing them or revised to meet their personal preferences. Questions to encourage further discussion are presented at the end of each case, including a list of suggested readings that are related to the case. The cases are organized into four sections: (1) Raising Money and Funding of Services, (2) Athletics and Facilities, (3) Academic Policies and Issues, and (4) Student Service Issues. The cases represent realistic but fictitious issues at a variety of colleges and universities. The issues, and the names of the institutions are fictitious; any resemblance to any actual institution or person is entirely coincidental.