Heralded by Forbes as "the indispensable touchpoint for what's being said in, about and around higher education today," Commencement is higher education's must-read book -- featuring the insights of 100+ college and university presidents in an unparalleled and candid conversation about the future of post-secondary education as we know it. Colleges and universities that provide millions of degree and non-degree credentials each year are a vital backbone of communities and economies. These institutions elevate the critical-thinking capacities of students and learners, and they provide crucial job skills and life skills to emerging workforces.
But the skills we need, the ways in which we collaborate, and the very jobs available to graduates are changing. It’s time for higher education to start anew. It’s time for Commencement into a new era .
“Institutions must step into the market with things that are scalable and different and accelerated and that really respond to how adults learn.” – Dr. Philomena Mantella, President, Grand Valley State University
In their highly anticipated book born from interviews with 100+ college and university presidents, Kate Colbert and Joe Sallustio, EdD, welcome you into a conversation like no other.
Discover how you can seize the moment to change higher education forever. Maybe you’re an administrator. A board member. A member of the faculty or staff. An ed-tech or educational services leader. Or a policymaker. If you work in or around higher education, this book was written for you — for your aspirations and your fears, for your curiosities and your vision, and for your commitment to educate, inspire, and serve the myriad learners who look to you and your institutions to light the way.
“Collectively, we need to affirm our belief in the power of education to change people's lives.” – Dr. Marvin Krislov, President, Pace University “I know that brighter days lie ahead. I absolutely know they lie ahead, but they will only lie ahead if we work together.” – Dr. Chris Roellke, President, Stetson University
The Beginning of a New Era in Higher Education is a thoughtful and practical review of academia today, presented through the words and experiences of 100+ college and university presidents. From online learning to affordability and access, from diversity and inclusion to leadership styles, no major theme goes unexplored.
“The only thing that truly gives you resilience is education.” – Dr. Irma Becerra, President, Marymount University
Featuring contributions by Elvin Freytes, higher-education expert and co-founder of The EdUp Experience Podcast.
With a foreword by Dr. Francisco J. Marmolejo, Higher Education President, Qatar Foundation.
“In an ever-changing higher-education industry going through transformation at all levels, it is wonderful to discover a book where all the diverse voices within the ecosystem are elevated in a manner that inspires innovation, strategic partnerships, and social impact. Commencement is a must-read for everyone who works for, on behalf of, and in support of higher education.” Geoffrey M. Roche, MPA, Senior Vice President, National Health Care Practice & Workforce Partnerships, Core Education Services, PBC; MBA/MHA Faculty, Moravian University; and Population Health Faculty, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
As HigherEd struggles with the questions of whether to change from traditional modes of operation to one enabling great access and connectivity through technology, Colbert and Sallustio eloquently bring to light the tensions, struggles, dichotomies and — most importantly — the opportunities ahead for HigherEd with examples of successes. Rather than a dry report of woe, this is an enthralling study of a bright future with examples gleaned from interviews and conversations with leaders. A must-read for anyone with an interest in the future success of HigherEd.
“Commencement is a must-read for all higher education leaders regardless of the size of their institution. The business of higher education is on the precipice of enormous transformation, and colleges and universities need to adapt to meet the changing needs of today’s students and educators. Colbert and Sallustio succinctly capture the current state of the higher education market and offer real-world insight into what needs to be done moving forward.” Elliot Markowitz, Editor-in-Chief, Head of Content, Fierce Education