This volume provides a source for doctoral students who want to know the nature of higher education administration, for professors who seek insight into the roles and functions administrators fulfill, and for administrators who want to learn more about how to be effective in their jobs. Composed of chapters written by experienced academic administrators, this volume offers insight into the complex and vital role that administrators play in the academy. Not only do readers learn that effective academic administration is at the heart of the entire academic enterprise but also that effective administrators possess a blend of perserverance, dedication, imagination, problem-solving skills, knowledge about myriad aspects of the academy, human relations skills, political savvy, and determination.

This is the 124th issue of the quarterly journal New Directions for Higher Education.