Privatization and the Public Good: Public Universities in the Balance Paperback - 2014

From the rear cover

In Privatization and the Public Good, Lambert examines a range of developments related to the "privatization" of public higher education in the United States, including increasing "institutional autonomy, higher tuition, diminishing appropriations, alternative revenue sources such as philanthropy and new business ventures, and modified governance relationships." These developments, in turn, have resulted in an uncertain future for public academic institutions across the country, posing unprecedented questions and challenges for them. Through a wide-ranging analysis of the current situation and detailed case studies, Privatization and the Public Good provides an incisive account of the challenges faced by public institutions today.

"Written in a thoughtful and engaging style, Lambert's redefined and enlarged understanding of the term 'privatization' offers an intriguing prism through which to view the context of change in public universities and to engage in 'spirited public dialogue' that examines the fundamental forces now pummeling our institutions of higher learning." -- Gerald L. Baliles, director and CEO, Miller Center, University of Virginia, and Governor of Virginia, 1986-1990

"Lambert has provided a great service to leaders of public universities and elected officials by framing the debate about the future of public universities, even as state revenues remain unpredictable. He provides compelling evidence that public purposes need not be--and should not be--sacrificed at the altar of market forces. Lambert's book is a must-read for all those who care about public higher education." -- Joni Finney, director of the Institute for Research on Higher Education and professor of higher education, University of Pennsylvania

"This book brings a new and unusually balanced perspective to the tensions now challenging public higher education in the United States. Lambert has provided an extremely insightful analysis of those tensions, and proposes important steps that could be taken to reduce them and restore public confidence in these institutions, which are so critical to the nation's future." -- James J. Duderstadt, president emeritus, University of Michigan

Matthew T. Lambert is vice president for university advancement at The College of William & Mary.