Explores the professional needs, challenges, and roles of community college governing board members and their presidents - and how these factors influence the board - president team.

Based on the premise that an effective relationship between community college governing boards and presidents is crucial, this volume explores the professional needs, challenges, and roles of college presidents and governing board members and the influence of these factors on the board-president team. The following articles are provided: (1) "Selected Characteristics of Community College Trustees and Presidents" (George B. Vaughan and Iris M. Weisman); (2) "The Community College Presidency: Qualities for Success" (David R. Pierce and Robert P. Pedersen); (3) "Orientation and Professional Development of Trustees" (Gary Davis); (4) "Board-President Relations: A Foundation of Trust" (Norm Nielsen and Wayne Newton); (5) "When Boards Change: Presidential Response" (George R. Boggs and Cindra J. Smith); (6) "Opportunities and Challenges for Boards in Times of Change" (Montez C. Martin, Jr.); (7) "When a Crisis Occurs: A President's Perspective" (Sean A. Fanelli); (8) "When a Crisis Occurs: A Trustee's Perspective" (Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney); (9) "At the Millennium" (Fred Gaskin); and (10) "Sources and Information: Community College Leadership" (Lucy Lee). (BCY).

Leadership matters more than ever in this turbulent moment in American higher education. During these unprecedented times, glaring internal inefficiencies, communication breakdowns, and an overriding sense of cultural inertia on many campuses are too often set against a backdrop of changing consumer preferences, high sticker prices, declining demand, massive tuition discounting, aging infrastructure, technological and pedagogical alternatives, and political pressure. Strategic leadership in such a complex environment needs to be exercised in nuanced ways that differ from those embraced by corporate cultures. In Leadership Matters, W. Joseph King and Brian C. Mitchell argue that the success of higher education institutions depends on strategic leaders who can utilize the strengths of their institutions and leaders to balance internal pressures, shifting demographics, global education needs, and workforce preparation demands beyond the college gates. Drawing on their extensive experience, the authors guide senior administration, trustees, and presidents on how to lead during immense financial, demographic, and social challenges. King and Mitchell believe that, to survive, colleges must be well run—flexible, effective, and forward thinking. The authors begin with a fundamental premise—that colleges and universities must evolve and adapt by modernizing their practices, monetizing their assets, focusing on core educational strategies, and linking explicitly to the modern world. Discussing a broad range of leadership positions, including presidents, provosts, and board chairs, Leadership Matters touches on strategic planning, management and operations, stakeholder relations, campus and community, accreditation and athletic conferences, and much more. The authors offer an optimistic assessment based upon frank and stark conclusions about what colleges must do—and must not do—to remain relevant in the coming decades.

Zimpher, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.