Higher Education Administration: Top 10 Best Books

In the ever-evolving world of Higher Education Administration, staying informed is crucial. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a newcomer in the field, the right resources can make all the difference in your career. The following list highlights the top 10 books that provide valuable insights into leadership, administration, and the unique challenges of higher education. These selections, carefully curated, offer a blend of theory, practical advice, and personal narratives that will enhance your understanding and ability to navigate the complexities of higher education administration.

About the Author

Alexandra Greene is a seasoned higher education professional with over 15 years of experience in academic leadership. She has held various administrative positions, from student services to institutional research, and is passionate about fostering inclusive and effective educational environments.


10. 1 Minute Walk to Work: Weekly Walks to Your Greatest Year Ever

Author: Joe Sanfelippo
Rating: ★★★★★ 5.0 out of 5 stars (13 ratings)

1 Minute Walk to Work: Weekly Walks to Your Greatest Year Ever

This book offers an innovative approach to leadership and time management, crucial aspects of Higher Education Administration. Joe Sanfelippo encourages readers to take a minute each day to reflect and walk, aiming for continuous personal and professional improvement.

Why You’ll Love It:
It’s a practical guide that doesn’t just talk about leadership but offers actionable steps you can incorporate into your daily routine.

Fun Fact:
Joe Sanfelippo is also known for his motivational talks, often integrating humor and relatable anecdotes that resonate with educational leaders.

Category: Higher Education Administration

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9. The Law of Higher Education, Student Version

Author: William A. Kaplin
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5 out of 5 stars (171 ratings)

The Law of Higher Education, Student Version

Understanding the legal aspects of Higher Education Administration is vital. This comprehensive guide covers everything from constitutional law to the governance of higher education institutions, making it an essential resource for administrators.

Why You’ll Love It:
It’s a must-have reference for anyone involved in higher education, providing clarity on the often complex legal environment.

Fun Fact:
William A. Kaplin has been writing about higher education law for decades, making him a leading authority in the field.

Category: Higher Education Administration

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8. Class Dismissed: When Colleges Ignore Inequality and Students Pay the Price

Author: Anthony Abraham Jack
Rating: ★★★★★ 5.0 out of 5 stars (1 rating)

Class Dismissed: When Colleges Ignore Inequality and Students Pay the Price

Anthony Abraham Jack sheds light on the inequalities in the higher education system, making it a critical read for anyone in Higher Education Administration. His exploration of how socioeconomic disparities impact students is both eye-opening and essential for creating a more equitable educational environment.

Why You’ll Love It:
The book’s powerful narrative and insightful analysis will inspire you to advocate for change within your institution.

Fun Fact:
Jack is a Harvard professor whose own experiences as a first-generation college student deeply inform his work.

Category: Higher Education Administration

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7. From Equity Talk to Equity Walk: Expanding Practitioner Knowledge for Racial Justice in Higher Education

Author: Tia Brown McNair
Rating: ★★★★★ 4.7 out of 5 stars (241 ratings)

From Equity Talk to Equity Walk: Expanding Practitioner Knowledge for Racial Justice in Higher Education

Equity and inclusion are at the forefront of Higher Education Administration today. This book provides practical strategies for fostering racial justice on campus, making it an invaluable resource for administrators committed to creating inclusive environments.

Why You’ll Love It:
It bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering actionable steps to promote equity in your institution.

Fun Fact:
McNair’s work is widely recognized in the higher education community, earning her numerous awards for her contributions to equity and inclusion.

Category: Higher Education Administration

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6. Student Services: A Handbook for the Profession

Author: John H. Schuh
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.6 out of 5 stars (226 ratings)

Student Services: A Handbook for the Profession

This handbook is a go-to resource for anyone involved in student services within Higher Education Administration. Covering everything from counseling to student engagement, it’s an essential guide for creating supportive and effective student services.

Why You’ll Love It:
The book’s comprehensive coverage of student services makes it a staple for administrators looking to enhance student support systems.

Fun Fact:
John H. Schuh is a recognized leader in the field of student affairs, with decades of experience that inform this indispensable guide.

Category: Higher Education Administration

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5. Connections Are Everything: A College Student’s Guide to Relationship-Rich Education

Author: Peter Felten
Rating: ★★★★★ 5.0 out of 5 stars (12 ratings)

Connections Are Everything: A College Student's Guide to Relationship-Rich Education

This book emphasizes the importance of relationships in higher education, a critical aspect of Higher Education Administration. Peter Felten explores how connections between students, faculty, and staff can enhance the educational experience.

Why You’ll Love It:
It offers a fresh perspective on the importance of building meaningful relationships in education, making it a valuable read for administrators.

Fun Fact:
Peter Felten is also an award-winning author and educator, known for his work on the power of human connections in learning environments.

Category: Higher Education Administration

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4. Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions

Author: Jeffrey J. Selingo
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,238 ratings)

Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions

Jeffrey Selingo takes readers behind the scenes of the college admissions process, offering a rare glimpse into how decisions are made. This book is particularly relevant for those involved in Higher Education Administration focusing on admissions and recruitment.

Why You’ll Love It:
The insider perspective provided by Selingo makes this a must-read for anyone involved in or affected by college admissions.

Fun Fact:
Selingo spent a full year embedded in the admissions offices of three different colleges to gather the material for this book.

Category: Higher Education Administration

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3. Culturally Responsive School Leadership (Race and Education)

Author: Muhammad Khalifa
Rating: ★★★★★ 4.7 out of 5 stars

(330 ratings)

Culturally Responsive School Leadership (Race and Education)

This book provides a deep dive into culturally responsive leadership, an essential component of Higher Education Administration. Muhammad Khalifa offers strategies for leaders to become more culturally aware and responsive in their roles.

Why You’ll Love It:
It’s an insightful guide that will help you navigate and lead in increasingly diverse educational environments.

Fun Fact:
Khalifa is known for his extensive research on cultural responsiveness, making him a highly respected voice in the field of education.

Category: Higher Education Administration

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2. Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions

Author: Jeffrey Selingo
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,238 ratings)

Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions

Jeffrey Selingo takes readers behind the scenes of the college admissions process, offering a rare glimpse into how decisions are made. This book is particularly relevant for those involved in Higher Education Administration focusing on admissions and recruitment.

Why You’ll Love It:
The insider perspective provided by Selingo makes this a must-read for anyone involved in or affected by college admissions.

Fun Fact:
Selingo spent a full year embedded in the admissions offices of three different colleges to gather the material for this book.

Category: Higher Education Administration

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1. Leadership: Theory and Practice

Author: Peter G. Northouse
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,153 ratings)

Leadership: Theory and Practice

Peter G. Northouse’s book is the definitive guide on leadership, a key component of Higher Education Administration. This text is widely used in leadership courses and is revered for its comprehensive coverage of leadership theories and their practical applications.

Why You’ll Love It:
This book offers a thorough exploration of leadership, making it an essential read for anyone involved in higher education leadership roles.

Fun Fact:
Northouse’s work is so influential that it has been translated into multiple languages and is used worldwide in leadership programs.

Category: Higher Education Administration

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