THE CONNECTED COLLEGE

Felix offers a guide to the best ways to approach the many challenges facing higher education today, aimed at college and university administrators.

In these pages, the author draws on his work in design and education consulting to advise higher-ed decision-makers. Each chapter is aimed at a different audience—college presidents, admissions officials, institutional researchers, library staff, athletic department heads, or facilities managers. Anecdotes from Northern Kentucky University, Alverno College, and Boise State University serve as proofs of concepts, and advice from leaders at Colorado State University, Macalester College, and George Washington University provide direction and context. Felix recommends that campus leaders establish “skunkworks” teams that can take a more unfettered approach to problem-solving than traditional committees, and he also encourages cross-functional partnerships to accomplish goals, ending each chapter with a list of departments that one should include in one’s plans. A key thread running throughout the book is the “student-centered mindset”: the idea that colleges should adapt to the needs and abilities of the current student population instead of longing for students as they once were, a decade or a generation ago. According to the author, this means “redesigning your institution to be ready to help today’s students thrive rather than lamenting that students aren’t college ready.” Overall, the book is both encouraging and challenging, assuring its readership that change is possible while also demonstrating that effort and creativity are required to develop and implement successful programs and get commitment from stakeholders. The writing is solid and straightforward, and the book’s structure allows it to work as well when read straight through or selectively by section. Felix’s detailed citations provide readers with plenty of additional information about various initiatives and strategies. The author’s enthusiasm for his subject is evident throughout, making it easy for readers to believe it’s possible to overcome institutional inertia for the benefit of everyone—especially the students.

A wide-ranging and clear-eyed look at how higher-ed leaders can bring about meaningful change.