Leaders in the Labyrinth sheds light on the ways presidents conduct the influence and power of their office, especially in the use of their pulpits, how they navigate issues of political correctness, and how they hold the center of the university together in contentious times and against competing ideological forces. Nelson has formulated a comprehensive image of the tenor, talents, and temperaments essential for today’s presidency, for those who aspire to assume leadership in the future and for those-administrative and alumni leaders, trustees, and senior faculty-who fix on and select the leaders of our colleges and universities.

In addition to academicians, scholars, administrators, and trustees, this book will interest any alumni or graduates who follow the leadership and fortunes of their alma maters and of other colleges and universities, and their presidents. The book argues for the central role of presidents and calls for their influence not to be restricted to the margin, that is, to fundraising and development. Rather, these leaders are, and will continue to be, instrumental in fashioning the university of the future in ways that are distinctive and pronounced among the various and competing forces presumed central to those future prospects and directions.

Leaders in the Labyrinth sheds light on how presidents conduct the influence and power of their office, especially in the use of their pulpits, how they navigate issues of political correctness, and how they hold the center of the university together, in contentious times and against competing ideological forces. Nelson has formulated a comprehensive image of the tenor, talents, and temperaments essential for today’s presidency, for those who aspire to assume leadership in the future and for those who select the leaders of our colleges and universities.

Because this book depicts the stories and scenes, issues and concerns ever-embedded in the lives of colleges and universities, Leaders in the Labyrinth will enrich readers interested in leadership, in the fortunes of college presidents, and in preserving the academy as a distinctive and irreplaceable enterprise.