The Soul of a University

"This is a profoundly original and inspirational book, written with erudition, wit and uncompromising integrity. It is a joy to read." Nicola Dandridge

Chief Executive, Office for Students

’This fine book by a wise, mathematical vice-chancellor makes the argument against university “excellence” as a single goal…the university must protect its “soul’’ [and] change itself and society for the better in many dimensions.’’ Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa

‘’This important book…by one of South Africa’s leading mathematicians and a major figure in South Africa’s educational transformation from apartheid, deserves wide discussion among educators, administrators, policymakers, students and the broader public.’’ South African Journal of Science

"A mathematician explains what is wrong with ranking universities. One day the leagues tables will be no more. Chris Brink takes us much nearer to that promised day." Danny Dorling, Halford Mackinder Professor of Geography, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford

"With deft clarity and deep humanity Professor Brink casts a logician's baleful eye over the current state of higher education. He demonstrates how misguided attempts to improve accountability have led to the unmeasurable being measured and the valuable being devalued. This is a modern morality tale which deserves the widest readership." Professor Sir Howard Newby, former Vice-Chancellor of Liverpool and former Chief Executive of HEFCE

"Good books about universities are, alas, rare. This helps to fill something of a void. It is full of practical good sense and wisdom, all done with clarity and intellectual rigour." Lord Patten of Barnes (Chris Patten), Chancellor of the University of Oxford, and the last Governor of Hong Kong

"Chris Brink has a very special record of service to higher education and its social relevance. His scholarship and vision speak for themselves. His devastating demolition of the current preoccupation with league tables is brave and timely." Frank Judd, former Labour Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

"This wide-ranging and erudite book manages to combine the ingredients of stories and insights, philosophy and practice, into a rich literary and intellectual dish. Chris Brink has brought his experience and his intellect to bear on a vital question of what universities are for in the modern world." Matt Ridley, author of The Evolution of Everything and The Rational Optimist

"A brutal and honest analysis of the crisis facing universities and the reputation of British and global academia and a stark warning that universities must address their purpose as well as their aspiration" Dianne Nelmes, Newcastle University, Fellow of the Royal Television Society & Broadcast Consultant

Professor Chris Brink was Vice-Chancellor of Newcastle University from 2007 till 2016 and previously held senior positions in universities across the world. A distinguished academic and a member of the Russell Group and the National Equality Challenge Unit boards, Professor Brink is a champion of the idea of a civic university.

Prologue;

1.The Standard Model University;

2. Rankings and League Tables;

3. Quality in Higher Education;

4. Tales of Quality, Equality and Diversity;

5. Rank Order of Worth;

6. Linear Thinking;

7. Another Dimension;

8. Ideas of a World-class Civic University.