Best Higher Education Administration Books of 2025

Who Gets in and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions by Jeffrey Selingo is a must-read for anyone navigating the college admissions process. Selingo provides an inside look at the admissions process from the perspective of three different universities, revealing surprising strategies that will aid in the college search. He dispels the notion that admissions is solely merit-based and shows that a student's fit with the college's agenda plays a significant role. This book is insightful, informative, and provides a guide for prospective students on how to assess their strengths and match with the best-fit schools. Overall, it is a highly recommended read for students and parents alike.

The Ninth Edition of Leadership: Theory and Practice by Peter G. Northouse is the go-to guide for leadership theories and models. The book provides practical examples and questionnaires to help readers understand their own leadership style. The updated edition includes a new chapter on inclusive leadership, real-world cases featuring global leaders, and a discussion on leadership and morality. The book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to develop their leadership skills, with Northouse's expertise making it a must-read for students and professionals alike.

The 2-Hour Job Search, Second Edition: Using Technology to Get the Right Job Faster is a revised and updated guide for job seekers. The book offers a streamlined job search approach that utilizes the latest technology to target potential employers and secure the first interview. The author, Steve Dalton, presents a three-step method for selecting, prioritizing, and making contact with potential employers. The book also includes updated advice on how to surf online job postings, reach out to contacts, and use LinkedIn, Indeed, and Google to your best advantage. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a white-collar job.

Because of a Teacher: Stories of the Past to Inspire the Future of Education is a collection of inspiring stories from over fifteen educators who reflect on their early years teaching and the impact of their own teachers and administrators. The book offers advice and strategies for both new and experienced educators, reminding them of the importance of their work and the legacy they leave with their students. The endorsements from other educators speak to the power of this book to inspire and encourage. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone in the field of education, providing hope and inspiration for the future of teaching.

This practical guide, From Equity Talk to Equity Walk, provides valuable insight into achieving equitable outcomes in higher education. The book draws from research projects sponsored by the Association of American Colleges and Universities and the Center for Urban Education at the University of Southern California, offering real-world steps for examining equity in student achievement and promoting institutional and systemic change. The guide presents advice on building an equity-minded campus culture, understanding equity-minded data analysis, and developing strategies for making excellence inclusive. A must-read for academic administrators, staff, and faculty seeking to dismantle institutional barriers and achieve racial equity in higher education.

The Half Yet to Be Told: Study Abroad and HBCUs is an edited book that sheds light on the contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to education abroad. The book explores the barriers that prevent HBCU students from participating in study abroad programs and offers solutions to address them. It also showcases the historical perspectives of global education, opportunities for global engagement, and stories from faculty, staff, and alumni. The book is a valuable resource for education abroad practitioners and higher education administrators who are interested in promoting diversity and inclusion in global education.

Campus Economics, by Sandy Baum and Michael McPherson, is a valuable guide for college and university administrators, faculty, and trustees. It provides an essential understanding of how college finances work and how economic reasoning can aid in making difficult decisions. The authors use real-world examples to illustrate institutional constraints and untapped opportunities. They emphasize the importance of the institutional mission and offer guidance for navigating all kinds of economic conditions. Campus Economics is an excellent resource for those with and without a knowledge of economics, and it provides constructive dialogue for aligning finite resources with the pursuit of the institutional mission.

If you're looking for a heartwarming and inspiring read, "A Perfect Science" by Dr. Jerry Guyden is a must-read. This book tells the story of a former black quarterback who turned his talents to create a supportive and competitive environment for pre-medical and doctoral students in a college in New York City's poorest neighborhood. Dr. Guyden's dedication to his students, regardless of their skin color or national origin, is truly admirable. The book includes touching letters from his students, which give readers a profound sense of the far-reaching impact of Dr. Guyden's work. Overall, this book is a great tribute to the power of education and the importance of embracing diversity.

The book "Culturally Responsive School Leadership" by Muhammad Khalifa focuses on how school leaders can serve minoritized students effectively. Khalifa explores the importance of cultural responsiveness, which includes critical self-reflection, promotion of inclusive and anti-oppressive school environments, and engagement with students' indigenous community contexts. The book provides educators with pedagogy and strategies for immediate implementation based on an ethnography of a school principal who exemplifies culturally responsive school leadership. The book is a valuable resource for embedding culturally responsive leadership practices in schools.

30 Days to the Co-taught Classroom is a book that promises to transform co-teaching partnerships in just a month. Written by Paula Kluth and Julie Causton, the book provides readers with competencies, habits, and information needed to become great co-teaching partners. The authors help readers get to know their co-teachers, understand their roles, improve their planning skills, and expand the structures used to teach and support students. The book also includes tips, chapter reviews, worksheets, and templates to make planning easier. The book is an excellent resource for educators looking to improve their co-teaching skills and create a successful partnership.