President to President:
Views on Technology in Higher Education - Volume II
Preface:
Written by: Jacqueline Powers Doud, Marylouise Fennell, Scott D. Miller 
Jacqueline Powers Doud |
Marylouise Fennell |
Scott D. Miller |
The story is told of the 19th century Micronesian islanders who had never before seen a sailboat. When early colonists excitedly pointed to ships just offshore, the islanders could not see them-the experience was just too far outside their perception. Likewise, many of us in higher education could not envision the ways in which technology would transform our operations and marketing for better or worse, helping to level the playing field for small and mid-sized colleges with limited endowments, while challenging us in ways that we could not even imagine a decade ago.
As one technology builds upon another, we continue to be inspired by the immense promise and infinite possibilities. The conversation first began in 2004. John McAllister of SunGard Higher Education-a loyal friend and strong supporter of the Council of Independent Colleges New Presidents Program-began to encourage us to do this work before we even understood the need. The result: the first volume of President to President: Views on Technology in Higher Education the following year. The response was overwhelmingly positive and soon a Spanish version was printed and distributed throughout Central and South America.
This book is designed as a follow up to volume I and addresses the new technological awareness. We dedicate this project to our many friends and colleagues in independent higher education who provide outstanding leadership while making critical decisions concerning technology that will impact services provided to current and future generations.
We are especially indebted to:
Dr. Richard Ekman, president of the Council of Independent Colleges, a dear friend and colleague to the three of us, who continues to advocate for independent higher education, encourage dialogue, engage in reform, and stimulate progressive national programs and initiatives, while providing stellar support to member presidents in every aspect of their professional lives.
We are grateful to all the people at SunGard Higher Education, especially to Laura Kvinge, Sandra DeCastro, and William Graves. Together with the Council of Independent Colleges, they have provided support to this needed and worthwhile project.
Our gratitude also goes to Martha Gaffney, Stephanie Kappel, and Lucille Villegas, our indefatigable editors, who daily read our minds.
And we thank Annie Miller, Scott's wife of 26 years, a dedicated supporter of education, who has loyally served as "First Lady" of three colleges.
