Speaking of the University: Two Decades at Vanderbilt

Over the course of his two decades as Chancellor of Vanderbilt University (1963 to 1982), Alexander Heard gave nearly a thousand speeches: to the University’s trustees, faculty and staff, students, alumni and civic groups, regional and national associations of higher education, and other national and international organizations. This book presents a judicious selection from many of those formal presentations and from some of his more informal remarks, carefully edited into an interesting and highly readable essay form and woven into a narrative of background and transitional remarks that remind the reader of the often turbulent times and thorny issues Heard addressed during his tenure as Chancellor. Heard’s colorful observations also bring to life the full character and many of the leading personalities of the Vanderbilt community. Throughout, Chancellor Heard’s strength of leadership and breadth of outlook are abundantly apparent.