This is a book about leadership for college and university administrators, written by a professor of higher education who has also had a long administrative career. As Dr. Davis explains in the preface, leadership has been recognized recently as an activity that not only is associated with formal leadership roles, but also can bubble up in various places within the organization. Given that understanding, the author has written this book for a broadly defined audience of higher education administrators, including presidents, provosts, deans, and department chairs, as well as myriad administrators who work in student affairs, athletics, finance, admissions, funded research, development, and alumni relations, for example. The book also addresses the needs of those who facilitate leadership workshops, serve as mentors to potential leaders, and teach courses on higher education leadership and administration. While presenting all sides of key issues, the author calls for the reader to define his or her own position through a series of provocative questions in "Reflection" sections scattered throughout each chapter. Thus the book invites interaction and teaches administrators not what to think about leadership, but how to think about it.
James R. Davis is dean of University College at the University of Denver, where he was formerly professor of higher education and adult studies. He also has held various administrative posts at the university, including assistant to the provost, director of the School of Education, and associate vice chancellor for academic affairs. Early in his career, he served as academic dean at Wilberforce University. He holds degrees from Oberlin College and Yale University and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Michigan State University. Davis is the author of two other books in the ACE/Oryx Higher Education Series:
Better Teaching, More Learning and
Interdisciplinary Courses and Team Teaching. He also leads periodic workshops and provides consulting and facilitation.
JAMES R. DAVIS is Dean, University College, at the University of Denver, where he was formerly Professor of Higher Education and Adult Studies. He also has held various administrative posts at the university, including assistant to the provost, director of the School of Education, and associate vice chancellor for academic affairs. Early in his career he served as academic dean at Wilberforce University. He holds degrees from Oberlin College and Yale University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Michigan State University. Jim is the author of two other books in the ACE/Oryx Higher Education Series: Better Teaching, More Learning and Interdisciplinary Courses and Team Teaching. He also leads periodic workshops and provides consulting and facilitation.