4 stars = Great! Might re-read.

This was a fascinating read - both discouraging and inspiring as the author describes the state of Christian Higher Education and describes what it could be if leaders would make specific choices for the sake of their faculty and students - and the larger world.

At a time of widespread pessimism in American higher education, from which faith-based institutions are not exempt, John Hawthorne has presented a hopeful vision for the future of Christian universities. Given the economic, demographic, and other challenges of our present age, many colleges appear to opting for a response which seeks to replicate what other institutions are doing, with a few particular emphases added on to the same model as education as a commodity. By contrast, Hawthorne persuasively argues that the path forward for Christian universities, in these times, is to pursue a strategy of confident differentiation which goes to the very heart of the educational mission and purpose of these institutions. This case put forth in this book reminds me of the historic motto of my undergraduate alma mater – “Christianity and Culture” – while also emphasizing new approaches to the relationships between contemporary students, faculty, administrators, and trustees. It is my privilege to give it an enthusiastic recommendation.