Book
Book on Wazzu: a running collection of 3 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on book in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. Washington State University (WSU) is a leading public land-grant research university in Pullman, WA, known for its strong programs in agriculture, environmental science,… New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around book, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything Wazzu is covering right now.
Preparing for a Changing College Athletics Landscape
## Navigating the New Game: College Athletics in Transition College athletics are undergoing a seismic shift. From NIL deals to conference realignment, the landscape is evolving faster than ever before, leaving university leaders and fans scrambling to understand the implications. Veteran Karen Weaver, with a unique perspective as a former athlete, coach, and administrator, tackles this complexity head-on in her new book. It's a crucial read for college presidents seeking clarity and a roadmap for the future. Weaver’s work isn't just about the money—though that’s undeniably a factor. It’s about understanding the changing power dynamics, the impact on student-athletes, and the long-term sustainability of collegiate sports programs. The book identifies three key areas demanding immediate attention: athlete compensation and rights, the evolving role of the university, and the need for proactive governance to mitigate risk. Expect practical strategies and honest assessments, moving beyond the hype to address the core challenges. This period of rapid change also highlights broader issues within higher education. For instance, the complexities faced by first-generation students—as explored in Joshua Bay’s "The Hidden Curriculum First-Gen Students Face"—mirror the disorientation many are experiencing within the athletics world. Ultimately, navigating this new era requires adaptability, a commitment to student-athlete well-being, and a willingness to reimagine what college athletics can and should be.
The Fight for Fair Funding at One Historically Black Land-Grant University
## A $544 Million Fight: Tennessee State’s Battle for Fair Funding A new book, "The Fight for Fair Funding at One Historically Black Land-Grant University," offers a stark and essential look at systemic inequities in higher education. Former Tennessee State University (TSU) President Glenda Glover details her years-long struggle to secure $544 million in documented underfunding – a sum representing decades of state shortfalls impacting the institution’s ability to serve its students and community. Glover's account isn’t just about the numbers; it's a story of resilience, advocacy, and the persistent challenges faced by HBCUs. The book lays out a clear timeline of financial discrepancies, legal battles, and political maneuvering, revealing how TSU was systematically deprived of resources compared to its peer institutions. It highlights the profound consequences of this inequity, impacting everything from faculty salaries and student scholarships to crucial infrastructure and academic programs. This isn't an isolated incident. Recent rulings, like the one concerning FIU’s violation of student free speech rights, underscore the ongoing battles institutions face in protecting their students and ensuring equitable access to education. "The Fight for Fair Funding" serves as a vital case study and a call to action, demanding accountability and a renewed commitment to equitable investment in all public universities, especially those historically serving Black communities. It’s a critical read for anyone invested in the future of higher education and social justice.
Trump Attack on Higher Ed ‘More Serious Than McCarthy Era’
## A New Threat to University Autonomy: Comparing Today's Challenges to the McCarthy Era A recent book, co-edited by former Columbia University President Lee Bollinger and legal scholar Geoffrey Stone, argues that the current political climate poses a significant threat to university autonomy – a threat they contend rivals the scrutiny faced during the McCarthy era. The book directly addresses concerns surrounding the Trump administration's actions and policies, and explores potential strategies for safeguarding academic freedom and institutional independence. The core argument centers on the idea that universities, traditionally spaces for open inquiry and intellectual exploration, are increasingly facing external pressures that stifle these vital functions. These pressures manifest in various forms, including political interference, demands for ideological conformity, and limitations on free expression. The authors believe this represents a fundamental challenge to the principles of higher education and its role in a democratic society. The comparison to the McCarthy era isn’t hyperbole, according to the book; it highlights a pattern of attempts to control academic discourse and punish those who deviate from prevailing political narratives. While the specific mechanisms differ, the underlying intent—to silence dissent and enforce conformity—remains strikingly similar. This ongoing situation warrants close attention, particularly as institutions grapple with balancing free speech with concerns about inclusivity and safety. For deeper insights into related issues of student free speech, see our recent article, "FIU Violated Student Free Speech Rights, Judge Rules."