Interesting read that provides a unique perspective about current issues that plague the American university system. A must read for faculty, staff, and even current students to better understand the systemic issues that impact us all.

I was interested to read this analysis of Public Universities in America but found it a bit of a dry read at times. But some interesting insights and information.

As an administrator at an Australian university, I found this a compelling exploration of American public research universities. What I particularly appreciated was the way McNeely framed the discussion around key stakeholders—public, students, faculty, and administrators—while also examining the competing missions of these institutions: research, teaching, diversity, and societal impact.

The book thoughtfully analyses how universities have shifted from being mission-driven institutions serving the public good to operating in a more corporate manner—balancing financial sustainability with the need to attract and retain students who generate revenue. It explores the tension between research and teaching, the growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion, and the broader impact universities have on society.

While US and Australian higher education models are not directly comparable, McNeely provides valuable insights into the pressures shaping public universities, what strategies have been effective, and where roadblocks have emerged. A key theme is the waning public confidence in universities—despite their continued commitment to their stakeholders and core missions. The book makes a case that with renewed public support, these institutions could achieve far more.

As an academic text, it can be dense at times, but it’s a thought-provoking read for those interested in US higher education. It also offers useful reflections for international universities facing similar challenges in balancing financial realities with their fundamental missions.

Thank you to NetGalley and Columbia University Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This book does not resonate with my experiences teaching at a public research university in the slightest. It's interesting as a case study -- although the anonymizing that is meant to keep people from being distracted by specifics is itself distracting. The discussion of faculty unionization is surprising. But overall I think it is way too optimistic about the wisdom of market forces and the generosity in the "DNA" of public universities.

One of my 2025 goals is to read more nonfiction. This came across my shelf and seemed pertinent to me: though not a scholar of the university system, it’s a system I’ve been tied to as an undergraduate and graduate student.

Clear and thoroughly structured, but sometimes at the cost of being dense or tedious to read. Naturally, a great deal of data and examples goes into a book of this caliber. Not necessarily something I’d pick up as an everyday read.

Waffling between 3.5 and 4 stars, but I think the book is really solid—perhaps I am not the perfect audience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Columbia University Press for the ARC.

As a scholar, and a citizen who frequently thinks about the position of higher education, I benefited a lot from this book where we a detailed exploration of how the public university functions, via one public research university - where the money is spent was a topic that particularly gave me fresh insights.
If you wish to learn more about how public universities changed and function, I recommend this book. It may be one of the few and one of the best of those few books about this topic.