In response to the escalating challenges facing higher education institutions, the SPH Consulting Group has released a comprehensive guide titled Leading Existential Change in Higher Ed. This 400-page book, authored by a team of seasoned experts, provides university leaders with actionable strategies to navigate the complexities of institutional mergers, closures, and major restructuring efforts.
The publication comes at a critical time, as over one-third of colleges and universities in the United States are projected to confront existential challenges within the next decade. The authors—Ricardo Azziz, Lloyd A. Jacobs, Bonita C. Jacobs, and Richard Katzman—bring a wealth of experience from their successful leadership roles in major institutional transformations.
Insights from Leading Experts
Each author has a proven track record in higher education. For instance, Azziz directed the merger that established Georgia Regents University, Jacobs oversaw the merger of the University of Toledo with the Medical College of Ohio, and Jacobs led the merger of Gainesville State College with North Georgia College and State University, creating the University of North Georgia. Their extensive backgrounds also include consulting and research roles at the Center for Higher Education Mergers & Acquisitions (CHEMA).
Leading Existential Change in Higher Ed offers more than theoretical analysis; it delivers practical guidance. The book emphasizes step-by-step frameworks for pacing change, managing resistance, and leveraging early adopters, drawing from real-world examples in higher education.
Readers will encounter rigorous insights alongside clear, actionable advice designed to empower decision-makers. The authors aim to equip leaders with the tools needed to act decisively, ensuring that institutional decline does not become irreversible.
A Practical Resource for Decision-Makers
This publication stands out by bridging the gap between academic research and practical application. It serves as both a scholarly reference and a hands-on guide, making it an essential resource for executive teams and boards. The authors stress the importance of proactive and strategic management during turbulent times.
For university leaders committed to shaping the future of higher education, Leading Existential Change in Higher Ed is a vital companion. It is published by Johns Hopkins University Press and is available for $59.95 in paperback, as well as in e-book format.
Advance praise has confirmed the book’s significance in the field. Mark Ojakian, former president of Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, stated, “I wholeheartedly recommend it to leaders who are committed to engaging in major restructuring efforts.” Dr. Philip E. Dearborn, president of the Association for Biblical Higher Education, remarked, “FINALLY! A book that tackles head-on the existential threats to higher education with solutions and a path forward.”
The insights shared by the authors offer a much-needed framework for leaders willing to tackle the sector’s most pressing challenges. Jeffrey Selingo, author and special advisor to the president of Arizona State University, noted that the candid insights on managing resistance and embracing necessary risks are essential for those in leadership roles.
The emergence of Leading Existential Change in Higher Ed highlights the pressing need for effective strategies in today’s higher education landscape. As institutions face increasingly complex challenges, this book aims to guide leaders through the necessary transformations to ensure their institutions thrive.
