On June 7 2011, the NASDAQ news service reported that nearly 28% of all U.S. mortgages were “underwater” (the principal balance was greater than the market value of the mortgage).  On the same day, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) stated that 40% of second mortgages were underwater. Why should

John Nelson, director of the higher education practice for Moody’s Investor Service, recently gave a powerful speech where he talked about leadership, managing scarcity, and productive efficiency.  According to Nelson, the evidence indicates that colleges with strong leadership find new

The art of a presidency is a complex blend of authenticity, determination, accuracy and vision.  There are many paths to a viable mix.  In the course of three presidencies at two colleges in the United States and at an American university overseas, I found my executive voice by identifying and

As someone who has recently returned to the U.S. after leading an educational institution overseas, I find it strangely sad that the liberal arts gets bad press here at home.  What is it about critical thinking and writing across a range of subjects that turns people off?  Do they seem

Presidents, Admission Officers, Marketing Directors, and Chief Academic Officers are trying to come to grips with new news sources and social networks that can have a dramatic impact on the strategies and plans of their institutions.  The impacts may include improved marketing for the college,