Full Description
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 Kemeny's 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 Kemeny's 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.
Contents
Foreword: Jenny and Rob Kemeny Reflect
Preface
A Prologue: The "Curious Turns" of "An Interesting Life"
Acknowledgments
Chapter One: Voyage from Professor to President
Chapter Two: The Crucible of Kent State: Crisis for the Nation and a Young Presidency
Chapter Three: The Sea Change to Coeducation at Dartmouth
Chapter Four: Clashes in a Changing Culture: New Diversity and the March to Equal Opportunity
Chapter Five: Fiscal Footing and Trials: Economic Shocks of the 1970s
Chapter Six: Navigating Affairs Inside the Gates: The Horrors of "Animal House, " the Indian Symbol, and the Dartmouth Review
Chapter Seven: Voice in the Public Square: The Three Mile Island Commission
Chapter Eight: The Perch of the Presidential Pulpit: Leadership Inside and Outside the Gates
Postscript: The Right Stuff: The Man and the Times
Bibliography
About the Author
