Practical knowledge -- books, consulting, presentations & workshops --
for creating positive change in colleges and universities
17 Critical Mistakes to Avoid in Higher Education
This is the newest volume in the Fieldbook series. It is a detailed examination of more than 250 strategic plans at colleges and universities, from which are then derived 17 critical mistakes in uncertain times. It also offers a series of promising practices in the 180-page research document. This addition to the series is supported by a Checklist available under Resources. (2023)
Creating Coherence in Colleges and Universities
This is the second volume in the Olive Press Fieldbook series. It examines the emerging concept known as institutional effectiveness (IE). The book defines and explains IE and the imperatives that are driving its emergence. Core chapters focus on systems thinking, organizational design, and model building. Numerous examples and case studies are used throughout. The final chapter enumerates seven challenges to IE implementation. (2018)
Mission, Vision, and Values in Higher Education
This is the first volume in the Olive Press Fieldbook series. It is a critical analysis of four-year colleges and universities is designed in a workbook fashion. The mission, vision, and values of more than 140 institutions are studied and then followed by “Questions to Ask” sections that enable reflective practice. A detailed set of promising practices are enumerated that help drive strategic planning, accreditation, and continuous improvement. (2016)