Prostock-studio/Shutterstock
Regardless of your role on campus, you have earned a summer break this year! Collectively, we have weathered one of the most challenging academic years in recent history. The unique pressures brought on by our political climate, world affairs, economic realities, demographic shifts, technological advances, and student needs — as well as the unique pressures of trying to succeed in academia — make it more necessary than ever to step back this summer — even if for a short time — to take stock, unwind, and recharge.
Whether you do this with a good book or a podcast series that is related to our work in education or totally separate from our day-to-day reality, we have you covered with a summer reading list and listening recommendations. This list was curated from our own reading and listening this past year and from a survey we did of higher education and secondary school colleagues. We recognize that everyone’s circumstances vary, and none of us will get the time away that we would ideally like to have. However our hope is these resources provide you respite and refreshment.
Here, we break down our top choice in each category, but be sure to check out our full list for more suggestions.
Artificial Intelligence & Technology
Book:
“Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That’s a Good Thing)” by Salman Khan
In his latest book, educational entrepreneur, Sal Khan argues for a hopeful approach to AI. Instead of fearing the impact of these new tools, he provides a compelling case for how they can be transformative, equitable, and educational.
Podcast:
Hard Fork with Casey Newton and Kevin Roose
Engaging, informative, and insightful. You will not only be entertained by the co-hosts’ banter and quips, but inevitably see (exciting and moderately disconcerting) ways the rapidly shifting world of technology is impacting higher education in real time.
Bright Side of Life
Book:
“The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World” by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu
We challenge you to read this book and not come away smiling. Not only is the relationship between the Dalai Lama and Tutu endearing, but they also offer insight on how gratitude, generosity, and attitude can increase our joy.
Podcast:
Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers
Need some inspiration for a summer adventure? This podcast by comedian Seth Meyers and his brother, Josh, will both inspire and humor you. They interview celebrities “to relive childhood memories, unforgettable family trips, and other disasters!”
Enrollment and Admission
Books:
“The Truth about College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying Together” by Brennan Barnard and Rick Clark
Beyond the shameless self-promotion, we believe that the 2nd edition of our book is a valuable resource for any family wanting a balanced, unified, and intentional approach to embracing the college admission and financial aid experience. As a higher education professional, it will also provide you insight into how admission decisions are made and the role institutional priorities and university mission play in the process. We walk readers through every step of searching for, applying to, and affording college.
Podcast:
Admission Decoded produced by NACAC
In a constantly shifting landscape impacted by everything from the Supreme Court to American demographics to political and fiscal pressures, this monthly podcast features enrollment leaders on college campuses who are leading the way amidst turbulence. Whether you work in enrollment or elsewhere on campus, you’ll benefit from these conversations impacting the current and future of admissions and enrollment in American higher education.
Higher Education
Book:
“Broken: How Our Social Systems are Failing Us and How We Can Fix Them” by Paul LeBlanc
As LeBlanc steps down from an impressive presidency at Southern New Hampshire University, this is an important read for any educator. He is perhaps one of the most innovative leaders in higher ed in the past two decades. Here he discusses the “opportunities and necessity to put humanity and care at the center of all our systems.”
Podcast:
Future U with Michael Horn and Jeff Selingo
As a higher education practitioner, this podcast covers timely subjects from AI to Dual Enrollment to Boards of Trustees. You’ll be challenged to ask questions about how your own university is operating or see ways you can collaborate and articulate your work in new and creative ways.
Parenting & Teenagers
Book:
“The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathan Haidt
Anyone who has or works with young people needs to read this book. Haidt discusses how social media, technology, and overprotective parenting are impacting kids and the ways we can address this shift.
Podcast:
Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting with Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan
The constant challenge as educators is to understand how teenagers think and how we can effectively reach and impact them. This duo combines research and practice-based insight with practical advice as they address both macro and micro topics that teens are dealing with in modern society. It will change and improve how you serve your students.
Self-Care & Personal/Professional Development
Book:
“Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience” by Brené Brown
At a time when mental health on college campuses is, in many ways, in crisis, Brown builds on her work around vulnerability, emotion, and humanity. She says, “So how do we know what other people are feeling? We ask them.”
Podcast:
Re: Thinking with Adam Grant
“Only the educated are free.” – Epictetus
Education, growth, and learning come from constant examination of our lives and ideas. In this podcast, you’ll be challenged to consider (and re-consider) how you approach your work, relationships, and their integration and intersection. Hear from professors, authors, coaches, politicians, and Hollywood stars in a podcast centered on continuous learning.
Now more than ever, it is critical to be reminded of why we do this work. We hope these voices and insights will bring you perspective, creativity, clarity, and encouragement. Whether you read or listen to one of the suggestions above or dig into the growing pile on your nightstand or Spotify cue, our hope is you will dedicate time to yourself this summer.
More than anything we want to sincerely thank you for the work you do to serve students and your university community. Your work, while in many ways more challenging than ever, is both meaningful and transformative. Thank you — and enjoy!
