The Best Dang Job in the World

A Leadership Guide for College and University Administrators

By (author) William D. Rezak

Not available to order

Publication date:

11 September 2013

Length of book:

138 pages

Publisher

Hamilton Books

ISBN-13: 9780761861942

In The Best Dang Job in the World, Bill Rezak creates a fictional campus to highlight characteristics, attributes, and behaviors which are key to success in leading an institution of higher learning. The book centers on Rick Nedic, a dean who finds himself the victim of a faculty no-confidence vote. It details his ascension to college president and the challenges he faces on a daily basis. The Best Dang Job in the World applies practices and techniques learned in both the corporate and academic world to a leadership role in the higher education enterprise. It covers effective techniques for identifying, interviewing, hiring, and retaining qualified college and university executives. It also discusses time management, budget preparation and management, job descriptions and performance evaluations, strategic and operational planning and implementation, and relationship building and fundraising. Rezak intermixes humor with crucial lessons to shed light on specific approaches for leading and managing a college or university. This is a must read for anyone aspiring to or currently in academic leadership.

Chapter 2 The First Interview
Chapter 4 The Offer
Chapter 5 The Honeymoon Year
Chapter 6 The Honey Fades from the Moon
Chapter 7 Plans Begin to Coalesce
Chapter 8 Friendraising and Fundraising
Chapter 9 Reorganizing to Accommodate Fiscal Reality
Chapter 10 You Have to Love it When the Plan Comes Together
Chapter 11 Rules of the Road
Chapter 12 The Centennial Celebration
Chapter 13 Retirement
Appendix

Dr. Rezak uses experience, insight, and wit to tell an entertaining story about higher education leadership. . . . He offers practical suggestions about time management, decision-making, and developing a climate of trust. [His] understanding of campus and community dynamics provides valuable leadership lessons — about trusting your instincts, the importance of transparency and clear communications, and the essential goal of developing the next generation of leaders within the academy.