Ever the Leader gathers together selected speeches and writings from one of the great scholars and commentators of higher education. William G. Bowen’s career at Princeton University—from economics professor to provost to a sixteen-year tenure as president—was marked by extraordinary accomplishments during times of great change, both at the university and in the country. But it was in Bowen’s second act, as president of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and founding chairman of ITHAKA, that he took the lessons he learned as a highly productive leader of one of the nation’s most esteemed universities and applied them to a broader set of problems in higher education. This volume of work from Bowen’s later career captures this expansion of his thought and influence.
Comprising remarks and articles on the subjects of university values, educational opportunity, college sports, technology, and colleagues and peers in higher education leadership, Ever the Leader is more than just a concise distillation of Bowen’s research and thinking on some of the most urgent issues of the day—it is a portrait of leadership in action. The selected papers, talks, and articles exemplify Bowen’s commitment and singular ability to communicate strong, persuasive arguments for change, and to motivate others to engage with the truly hard questions facing higher education leaders.
Filled with formidable insights, Ever the Leader will be required reading for university presidents, policymakers, and all those who carry on the struggle for equity and excellence in higher education.
William G. Bowen (1933–2016) was president emeritus of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Princeton University and founding chairman of JSTOR and ITHAKA. His many books include The Shape of the River: Long-Term Consequences of Considering Race in College and University Admissions and Lesson Plan: An Agenda for Change in American Higher Education (both Princeton). Kevin M. Guthrie is an executive and entrepreneur with expertise in higher education technology and not-for-profit management. He was the founding president of JSTOR and ITHAKA.
"This book captures the essence of William Bowen—his brilliance, wisdom, wit, and humanity. It is a worthy tribute to one of the most visionary and inspirational leaders in the history of American higher education."—Morton Schapiro, president of Northwestern University
"Ever the Leader introduces readers to one of the most original, productive, and engaging minds, wrestling with some of the compelling issues of his day. A remarkable portrait of an immensely effective leader, this collection clearly articulates the values William Bowen cherished in individuals and institutions, and displays the intellectual excitement inspired by his wide-ranging interests and commitments."—Mary Patterson McPherson, president emeritus of Bryn Mawr College
"Few figures in American higher education have left a larger mark than William Bowen. This beautifully edited collection of his lectures, essays, and remembrances perfectly captures Bowen's breadth, brilliance, wit, judgment, decency, and humanity. This is a fitting tribute to someone who was truly ‘ever the leader.’"—Lawrence S. Bacow, president emeritus of Tufts University
"Ever the Leader presents William Bowen's major ideas on essential topics in higher education. Even for those who are well versed in the Bowen oeuvre, there are important insights, especially on academic freedom and free speech. Bowen's moral clarity, wisdom, and courage—his willingness to speak his mind on the most controversial dilemmas—shine through."—Nancy Weiss Malkiel, author of "Keep the Damned Women Out": The Struggle for Coeducation
"This exceptionally valuable book serves a distinctive and important purpose. It exemplifies William Bowen's work as a leader in the academic, philanthropic, and business worlds."—Michael S. McPherson, coauthor of Lesson Plan: An Agenda for Change in American Higher Education
