Dr. Stephen Joel Trachtenberg’s book, “Big Man on Campus: A University President Speaks Out on Higher Education” (Simon and Schuster, 2008), provides the reader with an extraordinary personal and sensitive look into the multifaceted responsibilities, challenges, problems, highlights and pitfalls of being the top administrator at one of nation’s venerable universities.  The title of book initially gives the impression the author will make some argument about higher education. However, once inside this timely work one finds an interesting, captivating and informative story filled with the experiences of a man who has spent a lifetime in higher education.

“Big Man on Campus” was written for several reasons. Trachtenberg wants the public to have a better understanding, to be more informed, of the inner workings of institution of higher education. Why? “We need an educated, informed electorate that understands universities as human institutions and their leaders as people dancing and juggling as fast as they can to make universities flourish in the face of great challenges.” Trachtenberg knows that universities have a significant impact on America, our culture, economy, politics, and existence as a major world power. He understands that without public and private support institutions of higher education will find it increasingly difficult to maintain their operations. If they fail, America fails. His book was also written to move individuals who might otherwise not be interested in higher education to learn, to appreciate, and to perhaps give to help sustain some college or university.