Foreword
Acknowledgments
Chapters
Prologue: On the Threshold of Restructuring
1Breaking Barriers, Boundaries and Beliefs
2Paradox of the Present
3Organizing for Innovation
4Shape of the Future
Epilogue: Perspective and a Change in Focus
About the Authors
Debbie L. Sydow is the president of Richard Bland College.
Richard Alfred is professor emeritus of higher education in the
Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education at the
University of Michigan.
Sydow (president, Richard Bland Coll.) and Alfred (education,
emeritus, Univ. of Michigan) analyze the role of community colleges
in higher education. Their rapid growth in the 20th century
improved access to higher learning. In the 21st century, access is
no longer sufficient; completion and accountability are needed.
Reduced resources have forced community colleges to restructure
through a lens of growth and reduction, abundance and scarcity,
continuity and change, access and success. Here the authors present
models of restructuring that have been successful; for instance,
one case study shows a community college using 'reaccreditation as
a catalyst for systematically reinventing itself'— a part of the
college’s strategic plan to improve management and the institution
as a whole, including its enrollment, use of physical space, budget
development, and programming. Most valuable are the sections with
concrete illustrations of innovations at community colleges around
the country and reports from foundations and education associations
calling for specific changes. The authors address the challenges
facing community colleges through a combination of theory and case
studies, historical perspective, an explanation of institutional
stagnation, and potential paths to revival. VERDICT This title is
best suited for the professional educator.
*Library Journal*
With the spotlight on community colleges as never before, this book
is a MUST READ for all community college educators! In honoring the
past, Sydow and Alfred provide a great synopsis of the history of
the community college movement. As we look toward the future, they
challenge educational innovators to lead the way for community
colleges to be 'change adept' as opposed to 'change adverse.'
Opportunities abound as never before for community colleges to help
insure the economic future of our country. The ideas contained in
Re-visioning Community Colleges will inspire and motivate educators
to chart a bold future for this important sector of higher
education.
*E. Ann McGee, president, Seminole State College of Florida*
Sydow and Alfred have provided, through this text, a desperately
needed field guide for the uneven and shifting landscape
surrounding today’s community college. Grounded in thoughtful
context, yet providing a view of promising practices, the authors
ask fresh questions of the reader, suggesting opportunity, and
ideally prompting deliberate action for grappling with the
seemingly unending disruptive innovation in higher education.
*Daniel J. Phelan, President/CEO, Jackson Community College; Chair
of Board of Directors of American Association of Community
Colleges*
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