Small College America - Steve Bahls President Emeritus at Augustana College
Today, we will speak about shared governance in small colleges with Steve Bahls.
Steve Bahls is one of the nation’s leading authorities on shared governance. His writings on shared governance have been in publications such as Trusteeship, Inside Higher Ed, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. He is the author of the popular book Shared Governance for Agile Institutions: A Practical Guide for Universities and Colleges. Google Scholar lists him as one of the top three most cited scholars on shared governance, and he has consulted with more than 20 colleges and universities about shared governance. He served nineteen years as president of Augustana College, and earlier as dean of Capital University Law School and associate dean of the University of Montana School of Law. He now teaches the Art of Fundraising for Augustana each January term.
He currently serves as the vice chair of the Capital University Board of Trustees and a member of the University of Montana Foundation Board of Trustees. Bahls holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and a law degree from Northwestern University. He is a member of the State Bar of Montana.”
Interview Questions
- You've extensively written and spoken on shared governance. In today’s higher education environment, how has the role of shared governance evolved, and what do you see as the biggest misconceptions institutions have about it?
- Reflecting on your nearly two-decade tenure as President of Augustana College, what accomplishment do you feel best demonstrates effective institutional leadership, and why?
- Given your teaching and leadership experience in fundraising, what strategies do you recommend small colleges adopt to build sustainable financial health in increasingly uncertain economic times?
- Your 2024 article in Inside Higher Ed emphasizes careful deliberation when college presidents speak publicly about controversial issues. Could you elaborate on the key criteria you believe presidents should consider before making such statements?
- You serve as Program Director of the Presidential Vocation and Institutional Mission Program, the Council of Independent Colleges. Tell our audience about your role and what leadership qualities you emphasize most, particularly given the challenges facing smaller institutions today.
- Considering your involvement with various non-profits and educational boards, how do you see the role and impact of small colleges evolving over the next decade, particularly in terms of collaboration, mergers, or other strategic partnerships?
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