Description
How to Lead Community Colleges in Challenging Times
A practical guide for current and aspiring leaders
Community colleges are facing unprecedented challenges in the 21st century. From changing demographics and student needs, to shifting economic and political realities, to new mandates and expectations from stakeholders, community college leaders must navigate a complex and dynamic landscape while fulfilling their mission of serving the public good. How can they do so effectively and sustainably?
In this blog post, we will introduce you to a new book that offers a path forward for community college leaders who want to anticipate, manage, and overcome the issues that affect their institutions. The book is called Practical Leadership in Community Colleges: Navigating Today’s Challenges, and it is written by two former community college presidents who have extensive experience and expertise in the field. The book draws on their insights, as well as those of other leaders and policy makers, to provide clear and actionable guidance for leading community colleges in challenging times.
What is Practical Leadership in Community Colleges?
Practical Leadership in Community Colleges is a book that combines theory and practice to address the most pressing issues facing community colleges today. The book covers topics such as:
- Understanding the changing context and role of community colleges in the higher education system
- Developing a vision, mission, and strategic plan that align with the needs and expectations of the community
- Building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, trustees, supporters, and partners
- Managing the financial, human, and physical resources of the college in a responsible and transparent manner
- Creating a culture of innovation, excellence, and accountability that fosters student success and institutional effectiveness
- Leading and supporting change initiatives that improve the quality and relevance of the college’s programs and services
- Dealing with crises and conflicts that arise from internal and external sources
- Preparing for the future and developing the next generation of community college leaders
The book is based on the authors’ own experiences as community college leaders, as well as their observations, interviews, and research on the field. The book provides real-world examples, case studies, best practices, and lessons learned from community colleges across the nation. The book also offers practical tools and frameworks that leaders can use to assess their own situations, identify opportunities and challenges, and implement solutions that work for their institutions.
Who is the book for?
The book is designed for current and aspiring leaders of community colleges, as well as anyone who is interested in learning more about the issues and opportunities facing these vital institutions. The book is suitable for:
- Presidents, vice presidents, deans, directors, and other senior administrators who want to enhance their leadership skills and performance
- Faculty, staff, and students who want to understand the context and challenges of community college leadership and contribute to the success of their institutions
- Trustees, supporters, and partners who want to support and collaborate with community college leaders and advance the mission and vision of their institutions
- Researchers, policy makers, and educators who want to gain a deeper and broader perspective on the trends and issues affecting community colleges and their leaders
The book is also a valuable resource for leadership development programs, workshops, and courses that focus on community college leadership. The book can be used as a standalone text or as a supplement to other materials. The book is written in an accessible and engaging style that invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and apply the concepts and strategies to their own contexts.
How to get the book?
The book is available for purchase from the publisher’s website, as well as from major online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You can also request a review copy from the publisher if you are interested in adopting the book for your program or course. The book is published by Jossey-Bass, a Wiley brand, and is part of the Jossey-Bass Higher and Adult Education Series.
We hope that you will find the book useful and informative, and that it will inspire you to lead your community college with confidence and competence. We welcome your feedback and comments, and we look forward to hearing from you. You can contact us at:
- George R. Boggs, Ph.D., President and CEO Emeritus, American Association of Community Colleges, and Superintendent/President Emeritus, Palomar College, gboggs@palomar.edu
- Christine J. McPhail, Ed.D., Professor Emerita, Morgan State University, and President Emerita, Cypress College, cmcphail@morgan.edu
Thank you for reading this blog post, and we hope you enjoy the book!
