Leading Existential Change in Higher Ed

Accurately portraying the crisis occurring in higher education, this book lays the groundwork that needs to occur in order for colleges and universities to survive. As the authors state, 'the type of leadership that brought us here, generally can't get us there.' Every week we read about a college president resigning or being terminated and another institution closing its doors. In order to change the trajectory of these misguided institutions and establish a new transformational course, the authors have coined the term 'Big Scary Change (BSC).' The BSC concept starts with the proper leadership (administration and board). This book outlines in great detail how higher education institutions need to rethink their trajectory if they are to survive and how they need to transform their institutions going forward. A highly recommended read!

The changing landscape of higher education over the next few years will require bold and decisive leadership. Many institutions will face what the authors call 'Big Scary Change.' Chief among those changes is the prospect of institutions merging to be able to survive. The authors identify seven leadership challenges colleges and universities will face as they contemplate mergers, as well as five essential elements for the due diligence process to determine if the merger would be successful. The authors are uniquely poised to bring their knowledge in dealing with those situations and offering a blueprint of best practices in the field: they have been involved in actual mergers, and speak from real experience about the challenges involved and the myriad issues that come with bringing effective and lasting change. A must-read for higher education leaders.

In this time of too many colleges and too few students, selecting the right leadership is vitally important. The life or death of an institution is literally at stake. This book passes on essential wisdom from experienced leaders who have faced the challenges of steering their institution through the perfect storm of declining enrollment, shrinking endowments, and soaring costs. This book will not only help institutions who want practical guidance in selecting their next leaders but will also help institutions who seek to support their current leaders in rising to the challenges of our times.

In this focused exploration of higher education mergers and acquisitions, the authors offer valuable perspectives on the distinction between leading higher education institutions during normal operations versus during major institutional restructuring (referred to as 'Big Scary Change' or BSC), a consideration often overlooked. The book provides a solid foundation for understanding key elements of the restructuring process, particularly in identifying and developing the critical competencies required for successful BSC leadership. It serves as a useful resource for those seeking to deepen their knowledge of institutional consolidation strategies. Professionals and students in higher education administration will find several noteworthy insights to inform their approach to these significant institutional transitions.

It's time for higher education leaders to remove their rose-colored glasses and take a hard look at the rapid financial challenges that are overtaking many of America's colleges and universities. They could start by reading Leading Existential Change in Higher Ed, a masterful treatment of how basic laws of supply and demand will force many institutions to enter into new structures through mergers and other partnerships if they want to survive in the higher education market. A must-read for campus administrators and governing boards who want—and need—to learn who can and how to bring about such change.

Many colleges and universities in our nation are facing important challenges that threaten their very existence. For many of these institutions a different type of leadership is needed, one willing to address the potential need for major restructuring, including mergers, consolidation, and even planned closures. Azziz and colleagues provide us a with a roadmap on how to identify, develop, and support these important competencies. A must-read for all higher education leaders, governing boards, and policymakers.