Based upon his experiences and scholarship, the author presents an overview of present-day continuing higher education from the perspective of a senior level administrator who is also a prolific author, lecturer, critic, and observer of this dynamic field. The book looks at continuing education as it is
practiced in an urban community college, at a major national museum, and at a premier research university. Topics include program development and administration, leadership, creativity and innovation, e-learning, staffing, budgeting, and the culture of higher education.
"… a mixture of many approaches: part autobiography, part manual on how to succeed in continuing education, part bibliographical review of continuing education literature, and part commentary on the role and future
of the field in higher education.
For many years Dean of the School of Professional Development at Stony Brook University, Edelson draws on his experiences in describing his career in the field, while also providing insights into the profession in an easy and engaging personal style that is a distinctive blend of decanal wisdom and Brooklyn chutzpah. His book is both a delightful read and a valuable insight into the arcane world of continuing higher education." -- Dr. Michael
Shinagel, Dean of Continuing Education and University Extension, Harvard University
"As a seasoned, bright, and devoted leader in continuing education, Paul Edelson has written a book of extreme importance to both new and experienced members of this profession. His writing is clear and articulate, and his insights are provocative. With some humor and real-life experiences, he has shared with us the "trials and tribulations" of making a success of oneself in a most demanding area of
higher education." — Carol Aslanian, Author, President, Aslanian Group
"The position of Dean of Continuing Education is one of the least understood and most ambiguous jobs in the modern university. Paul Edelson artfully explains how imaginative planning and skillful negotiation can overcome institutional obstacles and enable postsecondary institutions to build and administer programs to benefit both working adults and the academic community." -- Dr. Von Pittman, Director of
Distance and Independent Study, University of Missouri-Columbia
"Paul Edelson shares the joys and frustrations of his 30-year journey through administration and teaching in programs for adults. Veterans of the profession will smile or cringe as they encounter territories that are all too familiar; newer leaders in the field will be given ideas that they can use. Ultimately, Edelson's journey is a satisfying one, with which most of us in the profession can identify and from which we can
continue to learn." — Dr. Jerry Hickerson, Winston-Salem State University, President, the Association for Continuing Higher Education (2004)
"Paul Edelson's perceptive recap of his relentless march through the world of continuing education is insightful and thought provoking. His anecdotes will foster reflection on one's own practice whether a novice or seasoned practitioner." -- Maureen Connolly, Dean, External Programs, Wagner College
"Many of us in
continuing education will buy a second copy to give our Provosts. Dean Edelson's picaresque tale rings familiar bells for his fellow knights of the night college. His insights and humor make his book a cheerful review in Deaning 101 and an inspiring restorative on a tough day. As to giving the book to the provost: can't hurt, could help!" -- Dr. James Novak, Dean of Continuing Education, Madonna College
"What I liked most about Paul Edelson's new book was that it provided the
sort of experience one seeks at conferences--a conversation about an interesting and different place with an interesting and different human being--except without the time constraints." -- Dr. Eric Streiff, Dean Emeritus, Millard Fillmore College, University of Buffalo
"This is a must read for continuing educators who wish to succeed in the highly volatile and complex times that confront higher education today." — Dr. Joe F. Donaldson, Professor of Higher and Continuing
Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, University of Missouri-Columbia |
