Following the release of his book “Leading Across the Arc of Time: Commitment and Change in Higher Education,” (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2025) Central College President Mark L. Putnam has engaged with the higher education community through various publications, sharing insights on adaptive leadership and institutional resilience.
Inside Higher Ed
Putnam penned “Embracing the Arc of Time” published in Inside Higher Ed, offering perspectives on the evolving challenges faced by higher education leaders. The article emphasizes that time is the most vital resource in higher education, as meaningful change requires long-term, carefully phased planning. Despite the vast scale and complexity of nearly 4,000 institutions operating under diverse regulations and oversight, true progress depends on sustained commitment over time. Investing the necessary time to implement major initiatives is essential for the continued growth and effectiveness of higher education as a national enterprise.
Trusteeship Magazine (AGB)
In the article “Time Is Now Our Most Important Asset,” published in Trusteeship magazine by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB), President Putnam explores the importance of leadership continuity in higher education.
Putnam wrote, “For many, 2025 may feel like the national higher education enterprise is about to be fundamentally redefined. I would argue despite the intensity of the rhetoric, the change process ahead will, in the end, be peripheral to the core of our work: teaching students, engaging in research, and serving our communities.”
University Business
In April, University Business published an article by Putnam, “College Closures: A Look at the recursive history of higher ed failures.” The article reflects on the persistent challenges facing struggling colleges, emphasizing how financial strain, leadership missteps and loss of institutional relevance have long been critical factors in closures. Drawing from his past research and current trends, Putnam argues that institutions must recognize warning signs early and prioritize strategic asset preservation to survive. He urges college leaders to shift focus from reactive decisions to thoughtful, long-term management of institutional assets.
Through these engagements in higher education publications, Putnam continues to influence discussions on sustainable leadership practices, encouraging a shift from short-term fixes to long-term, thoughtful adaptation in higher education institutions.
