Martin, James (Senior Consultant, The Registry)

The Provost's Handbook: The Role of the Chief Academic Officer Martin, James (Senior Consultant, The Registry)

Commendation Quotes: "The Provost's Handbook" is essential reading for every aspiring, new, and veteran chief academic officer. This perfect primer for the provost of the twenty-first century is organized around two themes: the Academic Agenda and Essential Partnerships. Martin and Samels have assembled a collection of smart, concise, genuinely useful chapters about leading institutions, managing relationships, and establishing trust and confidence in one of the most complex professional environments. As a veteran provost, I learned many new lessons from this engaging, provocative volume. Commendation Quotes: It has been a pleasure for the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs to feature several timely books by Drs. Martin and Samels at Annual Conferences over the past decade and more. Whether the focus was on how colleges and universities deal with the new fiscal realities or building a more sustainable institution, their writing is always future-focused, thought provoking, and a pleasure to experience as a reader. "The Provost's Handbook" is no exception."Commendation Quotes: "The Provost's Handbook" is invaluable, particularly for incoming chief academic officers. It provides advice related to the enduring aspects of this position, such as faculty relations, and guidance on new developments like the influence of social media. It emphasizes the importance of a deep understanding of the budget--the concrete manifestation of priorities. Biographical Note: James Martin is a professor of English and humanities at Mount Ida College. James E. Samels is the CEO and president of The Education Alliance and the founder of Samels & Associates, a law firm concentrating in higher education law. They are the authors of "Turnaround: Leading Stressed Colleges and Universities to Excellence; Presidential Transition in Higher Education: Managing Leadership Change; Merging Colleges for Mutual Growth: A New Strategy for Academic Managers; First Among Equals: The Role of the Chief Academic Officer; "and "The Sustainable University: Green Goals and New Challenges for Higher Education Leaders."Marc Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index. Publisher Marketing: As the chief academic officer, the provost plays the central role in the contemporary university or college. He or she leads the faculty and serves as their key representative to the administration while simultaneously acting as the administration's spokesperson to the academic faculty. How has this essential leadership position evolved over the past few decades, and what are the best practices to adopt for succeeding in specific operational areas?In seventeen essays written by some of the most successful chief academic officers in the United States, "The Provost's Handbook" outlines key topics related to the changing environment of higher education while explaining what constitutes effective leadership at the college and university level. How, for example, does the provost lead in a time of disruption and shifting needs? What skills should he or she nurture in new faculty? What role should data and institutional research play in decision making? How can a provost navigate the often stormy situations of shared governance? These questions--and many more challenges presented by this role--are addressed in this essential volume. Assembled by James Martin and James E. Samels, accomplished authors and scholars of leadership in higher education, "The Provost's Handbook "is destined to become the go-to resource for deans, presidents, trustees, and chief academic officers everywhere.

Contributor Bio:  Martin, James Rev. James Martin, SJ, is a Jesuit priest, editor at large of America magazine, and bestselling author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, Between Heaven and Mirth, and Together on Retreat. Father Martin has written for many publications, including the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and he is a regular commentator in the national and international media. He has appeared on all the major radio and television networks, as well as in venues ranging from NPR's Fresh Air, FOX's The O'Reilly Factor, and PBS's NewsHour to Comedy Central's The Colbert Report. Before entering the Jesuits in 1988, Father Martin graduated from the Wharton School of Business and worked for General Electric for six years. Contributor Bio:  Samels, James E James Martin is a professor of English at Mount Ida College and academic vice president of The Education Alliance. James E. Samels is president of The Education Alliance and founder of Samels Associates, a law firm concentrating in higher education law. They are the authors of Merging Colleges for Mutual Growth: A New Strategy for Academic Managers (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1993) and First Among Equals: The Role of the Chief Academic Officer (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1997).