A University for the 21st Century
The challenges facing higher education and the future of the American university as we enter a new century
Description
From the former president of one of America's leading universities comes a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing higher education in America as we enter the twenty-first century. In A University for the Twenty-first Century, James J. Duderstadt discusses the array of powerful economic, social, and technological forces that are driving the rapid and profound change in American social institutions and universities in particular.
Change has always characterized the university as it has sought to preserve and propagate the intellectual achievements, the cultures, and the values of our civilization. However, the capacity of the university to change, through a process characterized by reflection, reaction, and consensus, simply may not be sufficient to allow the university to control its own destiny. Not only will social and technical change be a challenge to the American university, Duderstadt says, it will be the watchword for the years ahead. And with change will come unprecedented opportunities for those universities with the vision, the wisdom, and the courage to lead in the twenty-first century. The real question raised by this book is not whether higher education will be transformed, but rather how . . . and by whom.
James J. Duderstadt is President Emeritus and University Professor of Science and Engineering, University of Michigan.
James J. Duderstadt is President Emeritus and University Professor of Science and Engineering, University of Michigan.
Reviews
"This is a remarkably comprehensive and thoughtful review of the issues facing higher education. Duderstadt is visionary in his conception of the university of the twenty-first century, but also realistic in his recognition of the difficulties involved in bringing about the needed changes---and of the attitudes that may be the greatest obstacle to needed changes."
- Nils Hasselmo, President, Association of American Universities
—Nils Hasselmo, President, Association of American Universities
"I like this book, it will make a difference."
- Stanley O. Ikenberry, President, American Council on Education
—Stanley O. Ikenberry, President, American Council on Education
". . . a credo, an apologia, and a passionate appeal to 'reinvent' the American research university. Duderstadt discusses a lot of what passes for common sense in certain precincts of higher education. Whether or not you agree with him, his book is just the thing to recommend to board members, legislators, and even parents who want to stay current with debates in higher education."
- George Keller
—George Keller, University Business, May 2000
Winner: Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) 2001 Alice L. Beeman Outstanding Published Scholarship Award
- CASE Outstanding Published Scholarship Award