University systems need visionary leadership like never before. Public university systems-state-wide networks of universities-educate over 75 percent of public four-year college students. These systems have a tremendous impact on research, workforce development, and the overall economic and civic health of their states. In Leading Multi-Campus University Systems, editors Nancy Zimpher, Rebecca Martin, and Jessica Todtman explore the transformative potential of public university systems to drive equity, innovation, and community prosperity. Written by experienced system leaders, this book profiles twelve dynamic executives who have reshaped multi-campus systems to meet today's challenges. Drawing on extensive interviews, case studies, and primary sources, contributors uncover the unique qualities and strategies that define effective system leadership. From tackling equity gaps and outdated structures to responding to crises with bold action, these leaders exemplify "systemness"-leveraging collective strength to achieve greater impact. These higher education leaders realized the power of systems through a multitude of strategies-such as funding realignment, structural change, professional development, and policy redesigns-to ensure affordable access, meaningful and high-quality learning opportunities, and equitable outcomes for all students. Through vivid narratives and actionable insights, this book redefines the role of higher education systems in addressing societal needs and offers invaluable guidance for leaders navigating the complexities of multi-campus organizations in an era of immense change.
Nancy Zimpher is chancellor emeritus of the State University of New York. Rebecca Martin served as the Executive Director of the National Association of System Heads (NASH). Jessica Todtman is the interim president of NASH.
Acknowledgments Introduction Part I: Advancing Equity 1. The Graduation Initiative 2025: Focusing on Completion to Ensure Equity at California State University, by Timothy White and Nathan Evans 2. The University of Hawaii's Journey to Becoming a Native Hawaiian-Serving Institution, by David Lassner and Gail Makuakane-Lundin 3. Student Success for Every Kentuckian, by Aaron Thompson and Lee Nimocks 4. Equity 2030: Minnesota's Moral and Economic Imperative, by Devinder Malhotra and Ronald Anderson Part II: Responding to Crisis 5. Demystifying Upward Mobility: A Systemwide Commitment to Quality and Equity in Teaching and Learning at the City University of New York, by Felix "Felo" V. Matos Rodriguez and Jonathan Gagliardi 6. Louisiana Board of Regents: Leveraging Disaster in a Multi-System State, by Kim Hunter Reed and Meg Sunstrom 7. Excellence at Scale: How Embracing its Identity Enabled the University of Illinois System to Maximize its Impact and Fully Realize its Role as "The Public's University", by Timothy L. Killeen and Laura Clower 8. Centering the University System of Maryland's Path to Dismantling Structural Racism, by Jay Perman and Denise Wilkerson Part III: Reframing Structures 9. Reinvesting in the University System of Georgia: The Comprehensive Administrative Review, by Steven W. Wrigley and John M. Fuchko III 10. One University: The University of Maine System, by James H. Page and James Thelen 11. Montana: Tackling Big Challenges with a Strong System, by Clay Christian and Brock Tessman 12. System Redesign: Navigating Culture, Driving Change, and Strengthening Partnerships at the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, by Daniel Greenstein and Randy Goin Jr. 13. Cross-Case Analysis Conclusion: Leading for Systemness
University systems need visionary leadership like never before.
