The Great American University: Its Rise to Preeminence, Its Indispensable National Role, Why It Must Be Protected »

Jonathan R. Cole is widely known throughout the United States for his fourteen years (1989-2003) as Columbia’s provost and dean of faculties, holding the position as the university’s chief academic officer for the second-longest tenure in its 254-year history. He is currently the John Mitchell Mason Professor at Columbia University.

The former provost of Columbia University explores the vital role of America’s research universities as engines of technological and economic growth—and illuminates the urgent need to protect them

Library Journal

Many current books on higher education emphasize the problems and urge transformation. Sociologist Cole (former provost & currently John Mason Mitchell Professor of the University, Columbia Univ.) has a different goal. He believes that the American research university is the best in the world and in need of renewed support to maintain its extensive contributions to a strong and prosperous society. Cole effectively conveys a three-part argument, starting with a history of U.S. higher education and noting the factors that led to the rise of numerous excellent institutions after World War II. His central section summarizes the vast range of discoveries emerging from research universities to enrich American life, from science to medicine, electronics, and food production, and the insights we gain from the humanities and social sciences. Last, he describes the threats to this vital American resource, including invidious public and governmental threats to academic freedom and serious underfunding, and he calls for the reactivation of the partnership among universities, government, and industry. VERDICT Cole has amassed extensive information to make a convincing case. Highly recommended, particularly for those interested in American history, social institutions, and public policy, as well as those working in higher education.—Elizabeth R. Hayford, emerita, Associated Coll. of the Midwest, Evanston, IL