HEDLD 508 - Principles of Higher Education Leadership and Professional Development

Leading a college or university today is one of the most complex and challenging jobs in contemporary society. Lacking most often among those appointed to lead is an understanding of the history and philosophy of universities in the western world, anchored on noble concepts ranging from academic freedom to logical positivism, and from liberal education to collegial responsibility and governance. Knowing the origins of these concepts and the social conflicts that are always associated with them is essential to navigating the turbulent waters in which colleges and universities find themselves today. Discuss these philosophical and historical foundations, explore five 'noble concepts' and their relevance in the 21st century and focus on academic leadership. A discussion of leadership principles appropriate to this environment is the underlying theme. The central problem against which we will test various leadership ideas will be that of getting anything accomplished that is both important and exciting in today's multi-layered educational bureaucracies.