"The breadth and depth of this book is unequaled... The chapter on the community college's role in the achievement gap is `must-reading' for the next generation of community college executives."---Ned Doffaney, Chancellor, North Orange County Community College --

This collection of essays focuses on the administration of contemporary community colleges, including chapters describing the staffing and functioning of major offices and pertinent issues affecting each area of work. The 25 chapters of the book are: (1) "The Challenging Environment: Context, Concepts, and Crises," by Arthur M. Cohen and Florence B. Brawer; (2) "Understanding Administrative Work," by Estela Mara Bensimon; (3) "Leadership Strategies," by Richard C. Richardson, Jr., and Mimi Wolverton; (4) "Effective Presidential Leadership: Twelve Areas of Focus," by George B. Vaughan; (5) "The Governing Board," by William E. Piland; (6) "The Community College and the State," by James D. Tschechtelin; (7) "How Presidents Influence Public Policy," by Judith S. Eaton; (8)"Management Perspectives at the State Level," by Earl Hale; (9) "The President's Office," by Daniel F. Moriarty; (10) "Business and Financial Administration," by Albert L. Lorenzo; (11) "The Personnel Office," by Barbara E. Janzen; (12) "Instructional Programs," by Martha J. Kanter; (13) "Articulation and Transfer," by Trudy H. Bers; (14) "Community and Industry Programs," by Geneva Waddell; (15) "Student Services," by Charles R. Dassance; (16) "Institutional Research," by John Losak; (17) "Campus Planning and Construction," by Dan Angel and James Brader; (18) "Budgeting and Resource Allocation," by Michael H. Parsons; (19) "The Administrator's Role in Staff Management," by Edwin E. Vineyard; (20) "Faculty Evaluation and Performance Appraisal," by Albert B. Smith and Jacquelyn A. Barber; (21) "Involving the Board in Personnel Management," by Hans A. Andrews; (22) "Managing Educational Operations," by Alfredo G. de los Santos, Jr., and Scott Finger; (23) "Building Relationships with the Community," by Billie Wright Dziech; (24) "Educational Planning and Assessment," by James C. Palmer; and (25) "Conclusion: The Future Context for Administration," by Cohen and Brawer. (AC)

Anticipate, manage, and overcome the complex issues facing community colleges Practical Leadership in Community Colleges offers a path forward through the challenges community colleges face every day. Through field observations, reports, news coverage, and interviews with leaders and policy makers, this book digs deep into the issues confronting college leaders and provides clear direction for managing through the storm. With close examination of both emerging trends and perennial problems, the discussion delves into issues brought about by changing demographics, federal and state mandates, public demand, economic cycles, student unrest, employee groups, trustees, college supporters, and more to provide practical guidance toward optimal outcomes for all stakeholders. Written by former presidents, including a past president of the American Association of Community Colleges, this book provides expert guidance on anticipating and managing the critical issues that affect the entire institution. Both authors serve as consultants, executive coaches, and advisors to top leaders, higher education institutions, and leadership development programs throughout the United States. Community colleges are facing increasingly complex issues from both without and within. Some can be avoided, others only mitigated—but all must be managed, and college leaders must be fully prepared or risk failing the students and the community. This book provides real-world guidance for current and emerging leaders and trustees seeking more effective management methods, with practical insight and expert perspective. Tackle the college completion challenge and performance-based funding initiatives Manage through economic cycles, declining support, and calls for accountability Delve into the issues of privatization and employee unionization Execute strategies to align institutional goals and mission Manage organizational change and new ways of thinking that are essential in today's competitive environment Manage issues involving diversity, inclusiveness, and equity Prepare adequately for campus emergencies Community colleges are the heartbeat of the nation's higher education system, and bear the tremendous responsibility of serving the needs of a vast and varied student body. Every day may bring new issues, but effective management allows institutions to rise to the challenge rather than falter under pressure. Practical Leadership in Community Colleges goes beyond theory to provide the practical guidance leadership needs to more effectively lead institutions to achieve results and serve the students and the community.

Understanding Community Colleges provides a comprehensive review of the community college landscape--management and governance, finance, student demographics and development, teaching and learning, policy, faculty, and workforce development--and bridges the gap between research and practice. This contributed volume brings together highly respected scholars in the field who rely upon substantial theoretical perspectives--critical theory, social theory, institutional theory, and organizational theory--for a rich and expansive analysis of community colleges. The latest text to publish in the Core Concepts in Higher Education series, this exciting new text fills a gap in the higher education literature available for students enrolled in Higher Education and Community College graduate programs. This text provides students with: A review of salient research related to the community college field. Critical theoretical perspectives underlying current policies. An understanding of how theory links to practice, including focused end-of-chapter discussion questions. A fresh examination of emerging issues and insight into contemporary community college practices and policy.

In American higher education, community colleges present new opportunities for many, embodying the democratic essence since their early roots. Originally conceived as junior colleges preparing students for university transfers, these institutions have undergone a transformative journey, evolving into the comprehensive, open-access pillars of education that define our present landscape. Despite a shared mission, a disparity exists among community colleges, with some rising to prominence as leaders in the community-college movement. Amidst the challenges posed by the two World Wars, economic fluctuations, and societal shifts, community colleges have adapted to serve diverse needs, encompassing workforce development, community education, and developmental studies. Narratives and Strategies of Effective Leadership in Community Colleges takes on the challenge faced by these institutions—maintaining excellence amid the evolving demands of a dynamic society. Narratives and Strategies of Effective Leadership in Community Colleges is a pivotal resource for higher-education practitioners navigating the complex realm of leadership challenges in community colleges. It portrays community colleges as national treasures in higher education. Beyond mere success stories, each chapter details the intricacies of effective leadership. Targeting governing boards, faculty, leaders, and administrators, the book provides invaluable insights into strategic planning, student support, campus revitalization, and financial management. It serves as a crucial guide for those aspiring to elevate their institutions.