A Crisis of Academic Leadership?: A Hypocritical Sham
Preview:
Secretary McMahon opened with a valid criticism: that we have an overabundance of administrators in our colleges. She is right. The reasons behind excessive administrative costs include not only overregulation, but the intensely litigious nature of our fellow citizens, perhaps best exemplified by President Trump, who loves to sue for the redress of any and all perceived grievances. To protect the institution and manage the financial challenges institutions face, the university president has become a fundraiser and mere ambassador, not a thought leader.
Originally published: September 12, 2025
Author: Leon Botstein
Position: President
Institution: Bard College
Published by: The Chronicle of Higher Ed