Leading the Modern University: York University’s Presidents on Continuity and Change, 1974-2014

‘What an interesting, well written, and relevant book, developed in collaboration with her presidential colleagues. Each president, in turn, describes aspects of the office deemed fit for public consumption, each in their unique voice and perspective.’

Victoria Handford, Canadian Journal of Higher Education vol 47:01:2017

"Marsden’s book is comprehensive and informative. I fully recommend it to anyone who is passionate about post-secondary education and who hopes to understand the forces continuing to shape university leadership."

Gervan Fearon, Brock University, University of Toronto Quarterly, vol 87 3, Summer 2018

"This collection of essays provides a rare viewpoint on university development: the perspective from the president’s office at a single institution, York University. It’s interesting to see how many common themes, from labour relations to reputation management, followed one president after another across 40 years of change. And while all the stories are particular to York, their lessons can apply to any university, making this book a useful read for administrators across Canada."

Sheldon Levy, Deputy Minister for Ontario’s Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development, President of Ryerson University from 2005 to 2015

"In its unique combination of individual and collective leadership, Leading the Modern University makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of the role of the university president in a very practical and personal way."

Ross Paul, President of Laurentian University from 1991 to 1998 and the University of Windsor from 1998 to 2008