There has been growing talk about the “crisis” in higher education. Authors from inside and outside of the academy have offered their diagnosis. In The Idea of the Digital University, the authors argue that the forces that have brought about these changes are the very tools we need to solve them. They show how the university has to adapt to the digital age while keeping what is most essential to its mission. In 1852 John Cardinal Newman wrote The Idea of the University which has been required reading ever since. This book begins with the issues that he dealt with and updates the discussion for the digital age. Employing history, philosophy and survey data, the authors show the impact that digital technologies have had on higher education. By going back to the works of such thinkers as Aristotle, Kant and Newman, the authors show how the essence of the university can not only survive but also thrive in the new digital age. If colleges create, store and share information does it not make sense that the digital revolution (which changes the way we create, store and share information) would shake the university to its very foundation? The authors, who have together spent more than seventy years in higher education, give us a blueprint for what can be saved and what needs to change. Controversial, polemical and expansive this roadmap for the future will be sure to make a good read for those interested in the future of higher education.

After retiring as Provost at the American Public University System I became a Scholar in Residence. In this role I represent the president and the university at external functions and research and write about current trends in online learning, assessment and the use of data in higher education. This has given me a chance to catch up on research in the fields of higher education and online learning.

Turnaround situation where I helped the university achieve its first regional accreditation. I was provost from 8,000 when I arrived to 83,000 when I left. During my provostship, we won Awards from the Sloan Foundation for excellence in online learning and were were included in two grants funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In this role I interacted with many of the major players in higher education around the world.

Built an online learning program from scratch. Put 10 entire degrees online, built an online admissions program, migrated learning systems and worked with both academics and IT to build a system.

Fire Chief for a department of over 100 members that operated two ambulances and multiple fire engines and support vehicles. This capped 18 years as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical services worker. Learning to lead in life and death situations has helped me in manage change in my business life.