QU President Co-Authors Book for University Provosts
Quincy University President Brian McGee, Ph.D., in conjunction with Patricia Mosto, Ph.D., Gail M. Simmons, Ph.D. and Dianne Dorland, Ph.D., recently authored a book titled “A Toolkit for Provosts: A Series of Real Stories and Case Studies.”
The academic units of a four-year college or university usually report to a chief academic officer. This person is most commonly called a provost. Other titles for this role can be vice president for academic affairs or dean of the college, depending on the individual institution. There are about 1,400 four-year colleges and universities in the United States.
Published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, “A Toolkit for Provosts” addresses the unique challenges a provost might face, such as balancing academic and institutional priorities or leading from a perspective of diversity. Short scenarios and case studies throughout the book help the reader think about possible problems or issues in advance and consider options that might be available. While there are differences in involvement, actions and outcomes, each case provides multiple connectors and situational insights for a provost. Collaborations across other divisions of the university and the provost’s role in shared governance guide the reader to examine how to lead change.
“Our goal in writing this book was to provide practical advice to new university leaders. We also wanted to give prospective and new provosts many examples of the challenges they might face and think about how to cope with those challenges,” said McGee. “At a time when universities have more obstacles than ever to overcome in serving their students and communities, helping new university leaders prepare for their work has never been more important.
“At Quincy University and many other institutions, our academic leaders have to respond in different ways to federal and state regulations, university rules, accreditors, student concerns, parent concerns, and complex personnel issues. While a university can be a wonderful place to work, there is a consensus today that our academic leaders confront many more stressful situations than was the case a generation ago. We hope this new book will help provosts make better decisions and feel supported in their important work.”
McGee came to Quincy University from the College of Charleston in South Carolina, where he served for several years as provost and executive vice president. He has over 25 years of experience as a university administrator and professor, with stints at Spalding University in Kentucky, the University of Louisiana Monroe, and Texas Tech University. McGee’s previous academic publications have covered many topics, including university administration, argumentation and debate, and effective public speaking.
McGee’s co-authors for this book are accomplished administrators who have worked at such institutions as Hofstra University, Rowan University, and Ryder University.
Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University (www.quincy.edu) is celebrating 160 years as a Catholic, co-educational, liberal arts, residential university. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate, and adult education programs that integrate liberal arts, active learning, practical experience, and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with each student to design a customized success plan to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. Quincy University’s intercollegiate sports are members of the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Valley Conference for men and women. For more information, please contact the Quincy University Office of Community Relations by calling (217) 228-5275. Quincy University. Success by Design.