American Higher Education in the Twenty-First Century: Social, Political, and Economic Challenges

This new edition of American Higher Education in the Twenty-First Century explores current issues of central importance to the academy: leadership, accountability, access, finance, technology, academic freedom, the canon, governance, and race. Chapters also deal with key constituencies—students and faculty—in the context of a changing academic environment.

While the contributors agree with critics who argue for ongoing reassessment of public institutions, they provide a more balanced perspective. They take issue with the "crisis" culture that has emerged among critics of current higher education practices, pointing out that higher education has faced challenges through its history.

By illuminating the complex interplay between institutions and external forces, the book provides a key to guide the endeavors of faculty, students, and administrative leaders. Fully revised and updated, the second edition includes a new chapter on higher education markets. Contributors include Philip G. Altbach, Michael J. Bastedo, Robert O. Berdahl, Robert Birnbaum, Mitchell J. Chang, Marc Chun, Melanie E. Corrigan, Eric L. Dey, Judith S. Eaton, Peter D. Eckel, Roger L. Geiger, Lawrence E. Gladieux, Patricia J. Gumport, Fred. F. Harcleroad, Sylvia Hurtado, D. Bruce Johnstone, Jacqueline E. King, Kofi Lomotey, Aims C. McGuinness Jr., Michael A. Olivas, Robert M. O'Neil, Gary Rhoades, Frank A. Schmidtlein, Sheila Slaughter, and Ami Zusman.