7 New Higher Education Books Reshaping the Field in 2025

What if everything you knew about Catholic higher education was wrong? Massimo Faggioli argues that the crisis facing Catholic universities goes far beyond common critiques like declining enrollment or church politics. Drawing on deep theological insight and Vatican II’s vision, Faggioli challenges both secular assimilation and reactionary tribalism, advocating instead for a renewed educational philosophy rooted in incarnational and sacramental Catholicism. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how these competing pressures shape institutional identity and what it means to reclaim a socially conscious and inclusive Catholic mission today. This book suits anyone grappling with the future of Catholic education or broader faith-based academic institutions.

When educators Michelle C. Chatman, LeeRay Costa, and David W. Robinson-Morris gathered narratives from higher education professionals, they crafted a book that goes beyond theory into lived experience. You’ll explore how contemplative practices intersect with acts of resistance amid institutional challenges, learning specific methods like mindful awareness and critical reflection that address power dynamics and systemic inequities. Each chapter offers not just concepts but personal stories and practical contemplative exercises that you can adapt to your own campus environment. This book suits faculty, staff, and student affairs practitioners seeking a more holistic approach to navigating the complexities and stresses of today’s higher education landscape.

This personalized book explores the latest developments shaping higher education in 2025, focusing closely on your unique goals and interests. It covers emerging trends, innovative policies, and evolving pedagogical approaches that define the sector’s dynamic landscape. By tailoring content to your background, the book reveals insights into student retention shifts, leadership diversity, and institutional transformation, making complex changes accessible and relevant. Through a tailored lens, this book examines cutting-edge research and discoveries influencing higher education’s future. It engages deeply with topics like inclusive leadership, technological integration, and policy adaptations, enabling you to stay ahead of rapid changes in a way that matches your specific aims and expertise.

Unlike most higher education books that skim the surface of assessment, this guide dives into the nuts and bolts of designing, implementing, and managing assessment processes across programs and institutions. Keston H. Fulcher, Elizabeth R. H. Sanchez, and Megan R. Good provide a clear framework covering everything from student learning outcomes and curriculum mapping to data collection and using results for improvement. You’ll find practical tips tailored for busy professionals aiming to make assessment less abstract and more actionable. If you’re responsible for coordinating or conducting assessment efforts, this book offers an accessible yet thorough path to understanding and improving how learning is evaluated.

What if everything you knew about student retention was wrong? Bruce M. Mackh challenges traditional views by shifting the question from why students leave to how faculty can create compelling reasons for them to stay. Drawing on the Gallup-Purdue "Big Six" experiences, Mackh offers a practical framework that empowers individual faculty members to boost student engagement and motivation without waiting for institutional changes. You’ll find concrete strategies adaptable to your own teaching context, plus workshop materials to facilitate implementation. This book suits educators committed to improving completion rates by fostering deeper connection and purpose in undergraduate education.

When Carol E. Henderson gathered voices of diversity practitioners, she uncovered the complex realities faced by Chief Diversity Officers in higher education today. This book dives into the personal and professional journeys of those navigating increasingly challenging environments, revealing how they advocate for access, equity, and belonging within academic institutions. You’ll find practical insights on balancing institutional priorities with personal well-being, and chapters that conclude with reflective questions to deepen your understanding. If you’re involved in or aspiring to lead diversity initiatives in higher education, this book offers grounded perspectives that go beyond theory to the lived experience and evolving strategies of CDOs.

This tailored book explores the evolving landscape of higher education leadership with a focus on 2025's latest discoveries and insights. It covers leadership principles that drive academic success, examining emerging trends and research that shape effective management within colleges and universities. The content is personalized to match your background and interests, allowing you to delve into the leadership challenges and opportunities that matter most to you. By concentrating on your specific goals, this book reveals how to navigate institutional complexities, foster innovation, and support diverse academic communities. It offers a rich learning experience that brings cutting-edge knowledge directly to your fingertips, designed to enhance your leadership acumen in higher education.

Hispanic Leadership in Higher Education confronts a critical gap that limits Hispanic professionals' advancement into academic leadership roles. Spearheaded by Dr. Elsa Villarreal and her colleagues, the book explores the systemic barriers within Hispanic-serving and predominantly White institutions, offering readers a deep dive into both policy critiques and effective recruitment and leadership development strategies. By examining real-world institutional dynamics and highlighting resilience and advocacy, it equips faculty, administrators, and students with a clearer understanding of challenges and pathways to foster Hispanic leadership. If you're committed to promoting inclusivity and tangible change in academia, this volume provides grounded insights without glossing over the complexities involved.

Mitchel B. Wallerstein, former president of Baruch College, draws from his firsthand experience steering a public institution through financial hardship and academic challenges to craft this insightful analysis. You learn about the specific strategies and contextual factors that allowed Baruch to excel both academically and financially despite constraints like physical space and funding shortages. The book delves into comparative assessments of other public colleges, revealing what makes Baruch’s approach distinctive and whether it can be adapted elsewhere. If you’re involved in higher education policy or administration, this book offers a grounded case study of sustainable success in a difficult environment.