John G. Kemeny and Dartmouth College: The Man, the Times, and the College Presidency [Hardcover]

Featuring never before published excerpts from his unfinished autobiography, this book explores the career of John G. Kemeny, mathematician, educator, and president of Dartmouth College. Nelson presents a portrait of Kemenys presidential leadership during the tumultuous 1960s and 1970s, exemplifying his resolute commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, learning, human understanding, equity, and justice. Through this discussion of Kemenys life, Nelson identifies the ideal qualities of a leader: willingness to ponder, consider, and achieve the best actions he could conceive; compassion, understanding and empathy for others; absolute belief in the rising generation of college students; and courage in the face of challenging public issues, contentious and warring opinions, and concerns. From immigrant roots to college presidency and the national stage, this book tells the full story of a genius and giant of the world of academia.Stephen J. Nelson is professor of education and educational leadership at Bridgewater State University and senior scholar in the Leadership Alliance at Brown University.

A compelling account of John Kemenys leadership during one of the most transformative and tumultuous periods in Dartmouths history and the history of higher education in the U.S. This biography exposes the personal side of someone who is a hero and role model of mine  a mathematician who not only sparked a personal computing revolution, but continued to teach as President of the college while guiding the institution through a period of dramatic change. Anyone seeking to understand how brilliant scholars like Kemeny come to lead with such impact will glean much from the insights afforded in this book. Philip J. Hanlon, '77, President, Dartmouth College

Easily the smartest person I have ever known is Dartmouth President John Kemeny. So, too, much the finest, most decisive and influential college president I have witnessed in action is John Kemeny. But John Kemeny lC“