Gary A. Olson is Professor of English at Idaho State University. He is the editor and author of many books, including The Future of Higher Education: Perspectives from America's Academic Leaders (coedited with John W. Presley).

• Introduction1. Campus CultureWhat Conspiracy?Avoiding Academe’s Ax MurderersHow to Get What You Want in AcademeThat’s Your OpinionHolding Ourselves AccountableIf Universities Were DemocraciesCreating a Culture of RespectA Culture of OpennessTo Party, or Not to PartyYes, Big Brother Is Watching2. The Craft of AdministrationHow to Join the Dark SideThe Importance of ProtocolThe Administrator as MagicianThe Burden of ConfidentialityAvoiding the Hunker-Down StrategyResist the Rush to Judgment in DisputesWhy Rules MatterWe Can’t Do That HereThe Delicate Art of RejectionLet’s Just Do Our JobsThe Cost of Doing BusinessThe Unkindest Cut of AllIf Only I Knew Then…3. Campus ReformCarnegie MattersGrowing PainsWhy Universities SpecializeWhy Universities ReorganizeThe Importance of External BoardsCertifying Online ResearchWhy Universities Are Streamlining Their CurriculaShould We Ditch Football?How Note to Reform Humanities Scholarship4. Faculty ConcernsThe Limits of Academic FreedomExactly What Is "Shared Governance"?When to Dissolve a Faculty SenateIt Is Who You Know, And Who Knows YouCreating a Culture of RecognitionHow We Value Faculty WorkWe Really Like YouA Creature of Our Own MakingHow Not to Measure Faculty ProductivityFight Your Own BattlesHow to Run a Meeting5. Faculty RecruitmentDon’t Just Search, RecruitWhy Settle for Second Best?The Proper Way to CourtBut She Was Our Top ChoiceThe Academic Job Search and the InternetI’m Your Millstone6. Special TopicsCommencement MattersCan You Spare A Dime?The Ethics of TechnologyE-mails Are ForeverKeeping Your Emeriti CloseWhat Deans Expect of Department HeadsHow Not to Evaluate Your Department HeadInvestigate Me, PleaseSafety FirstIndex

"…a reflective guide to assist individuals who are contemplating an administrative role … current and future leaders may be well served to understand what to expect; how to prepare; when to act; who to know; why it's not about pay; and how to avoid common administrative challenges." — Journal of Higher Education"A Creature of Our Own Making is a much recommended addition to educational studies collections." — Midwest Book Review