Locus of Authority

"Withering critiques of the academy appear daily, predicting the end of higher education as we know it. Bowen and Tobin step into this fray with insight, deep knowledge of the field, data, and a good eye for history. Their eminently sensible book convincingly argues that higher education institutions have evolved over time in response to pressures and challenges, and that they are capable of continuing this evolution."--Lawrence S. Bacow, president emeritus, Tufts University"This timely book thoughtfully explores the challenges of decision making at our universities today. Bowen and Tobin make lucid recommendations, some controversial, about the delineation of authority between the faculty and administration. Their book should be in the hands of every university trustee, president, administrator, and faculty leader and will stir healthy debate across the higher education landscape."--William Kirwan, chancellor, University System of Maryland"Everyone who follows news about higher education or participates in that arena professionally is aware that faculty-administration relations are a vexed issue right now. Yet there hasn't been a concise and deeply informed volume that addresses the history, contemporary issues, and prospects for constructive action--until now. This lucid and persuasive book makes an important and highly distinctive contribution."--Michael S. McPherson, president, Spencer Foundation"Locus of Authority proposes that solutions to current issues in American higher education are impeded by an out-of-date system of governance. Addressing such problems as cost containment and effective uses of technology, the authors show that answers depend on 'not business as usual' decision making that cuts across institutional boundaries. I am not aware of another book that approaches institutional change in this way."--Mary Patterson McPherson, president emeritus, Bryn Mawr College and executive officer emeritus, American Philosophical Society