Reviews:
-Acker, former president of Kansas State U., discusses management practices at state universities for new or potential presidents or other administrators. Drawing from his own experience in different administrative roles, as well as that of others, he explains the role of the state university and presidency, as well as the selection process. The brief chapters detail issues having to do with staff, budget, administrative structure, delegation, problems, working with programs, and issues relating to global curriculum, student enrollment, multidiscipline institutes, medical schools, athletics, academic freedom, and unions. Funding is also addressed, in addition to faculty and student relations, and how to maintain one's personal life. He notes that the information is applicable to other types of universities in and outside the US.
—Reference & Research Book News
-[H]is genial, solid advice, his reminders to trust others, delegate authority, behave well, and give more credit than you take -- makes his book well worth the short time that it takes to read it.
—Phi Kappa Phi Forum
Endorsement From
C. Peter Magrath President Emeritus, National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges Former president, University of Missouri, University of Minnesota, and State University of New York, Binghamton
Can State Universities Be Managed? The answer is, yes, and this book tells how--in a highly readable, informative, and witty style. Acker's book, based on his diverse experiences, sharp observations, and wisdom has great practical advice, while also providing an up to date informative tour of the realities of American higher education in the 21st century. All who are or may be in leadership positions in universities--or want to understand the educational enterprise--will both enjoy and profit from this book.
Endorsement From
Bud Davis Regent, Western New Mexico University former president/chancellor, Louisiana State University, Idaho State University, University of New Mexico and Oregon System of Higher Education
This primer for university presidents and management teams should be on the 'must read' list for new presidents, old presidents, provosts, deans, trustees, presidential search committees, or any others involved in the management of Universities or colleges. Time and again, as I read the manuscript, I asked myself, 'Now, why didn't I think of that?' It is tightly written, comprehensive, suggests possible courses of action and points to be considered, but leaves the actual choices up to the reader.