Failing the Future

“[A] compelling . . . vision of the state of U.S. higher education on the doorstep of the twenty-first century.” - Matthew Hartley, Harvard Educational Review

“[An] inspiring and ambitious book. To her lengthy list of credits as a ground-breaking feminist scholar, Americanist, and dean, Kolodny can now add to her list of accomplishments that of feminist public intellectual and educational reformer. We are fortunate to have a voice sounding such a hopeful note above the doomsday tumult of commentators and analysts. Let us hope this book will succeed in its mission to encourage a progressive and diverse generation of higher education administrators.” - Eileen E. Schell, Journal of Composition Theory

“[B]rilliantly lays out for more informed debate the challenges to and options of current higher education, especially old-fashioned elitist humanist education.” - Leonard R. N. Ashley, Bibliothèque d'Humanisme et Renaissance

“[C]andid, engaging, and informative. . . . Kolodny offers a surprisingly hopeful view of how change can be achieved. . . . Though Kolodny admittedly achieved only the beginning of her revolution, this book will ensure that the struggle continues.” - Phi Kappa Phi Journal

“[Kolodny] has turned her articulate mind and her marvelous imagination to the world of academic leadership. The book moves with a sharp and honest focus and must be read by all who are [concerned] about the future of higher education.” - Educational Book Review

“This book will appeal to anyone with an interest in the future of higher education.” - Margaret Reilly, Association for Women in Science Magazine

“In addition to Kolodny’s strong briefs for extracurricular interdisciplinarity, for a more global approach to humanities education, and for sound approaches to new technologies . . . , three themes make this book a genuinely important one in the current conversation on higher education: her articulation of the social mission of public universities in relation to the multiple communities they serve; her detailed plan for a ‘radical overhaul’ of academic power structures; and, an understanding of affirmative action and diversity that profoundly transcends the numbers game that most administrators have learned to play. . . . It is as an advocate of proactive affirmative action that Kolodny is most determined and most successful. . . . She expands the idea of academic freedom to include protections against ‘antifeminist intellectual harassment’ and discusses the importance of ‘cognitive diversity’ in teaching and research. Her goal is nothing less than a university which genuinely reflects the community it serves.” - Appalachian Journal

“The power of this book lies in the evidence that Kolodny did indeed practice what she preached at Arizona. Even if you contest many details of her account, or if you disagree with her politics, you cannot fail to be impressed with what she did at Arizona. While the work was grueling, it made a difference. One can only hope, as Kolodny does, that this example will inspire other activists to join the ranks of academic administration.” - Rebecca Bushnell, American Literature

“Whether or not one shares Kolodny’s political views, her book is a bracing reminder, especially to those who will plan for the higher education of the 21st century, that what we plan and how we plan matters, because human lives are at stake.” - Jonathan A. Glenn, Planning for Higher Education

“Annette Kolodny has turned her articulate mind and her marvelous imagination to the world of academic leadership. Failing the Future is personally moving, with a sharp and honest focus, and it should be read by all those who care about the future of higher education.” - Barry Munitz, President and Chief Executive Officer of the J. Paul Getty Trust and former Chancellor of the California State University System

“This book should lead to an opening of the American mind. It is possibly the best book on higher education in the last decade. It is full of ideas that one needs to wrestle with, discuss, and chew over in faculty lounges, over e-mail, in journals, and in faculty senates. Failing the Future shows us not only what we must do, but explains HOW.” - Emily Toth, author of Ms. Mentor’s Impeccable Advice for Women in Academia

“This is a welcome and outstanding work. Particularly at this time, with the avalanche of right-wing and largely mindless criticism of universities, this book clearly sets forth the actual situation, the real problems, and suggests useful and possible solutions to the complex situation of higher education in our country today.” - Carolyn Heilbrun, Avalon Professor in the Humanities Emerita, Columbia University