Featured Works
President Mark Putnam’s work has been featured in publications around the globe and in major United States markets, providing valuable perspectives on a wide range of higher education issues. His book, “Leading Across the Arc of Time,” reflects his deep commitment to thoughtful leadership as he shares insight to help institutions navigate complex challenges.
An Army of Activists
Posted September 1, 2012
In Civitas, President Mark Putnam shares stories of actively engaged citizens and the innovative culture of Central College graduates who value lives of service.
Education for Democracy
Posted June 8, 2012
Education For Democracy This publication was developed out of a series of essays focused on education reform, originally posted on Mark: my words and written by Central College President Mark Putnam in spring 2012. As federal, state and local governments contemplate policy and funding changes for education at all levels, this publication is intended to […]
Integrated Learning
Posted May 8, 2012
President Mark Putnam introduces the new model of integrated learning at Central College in Civitas.
Integrated Learning
Posted April 19, 2012
Inside Higher Ed, April 19, 2012 In a piece requested by editors at Inside Higher Ed, a national online source for news, opinion and jobs for all of higher education, President Mark Putnam speaks to his experience at Central College, the future of private liberal arts colleges and why people and relationships matter in education. […]
Education Reform Larger Than 1 Approach
Posted March 18, 2012
Published in The Cedar Rapids Gazette, March 18, 2012 The Gazette published a version of President Mark Putnam’s fourth essay in a series on education reform.
Let’s Go
Posted February 17, 2012
Published in Civitas, Feb. 17, 2012 International travel can be intimidating at first, but once you have crossed our nation’s borders, your life will be different. I know this not only from my personal experience, but also from students and alumni who eagerly tell stories of their experiences exploring the world. Read more
When the president’s daughter is a student: Dad’s view
Posted February 13, 2012
Published in The Chronicle of Higher Education, February 12, 2012. With the fall semester in the rearview mirror, I can honestly say that balancing the roles of college president and college parent was not as easy as I thought it would be. It’s not that my daughter and I ran into any major problems, but […]
My president, my dad: Emma’s view
Posted February 13, 2012
Published in The Chronicle of Higher Education, February 12, 2012. The inevitable conversations surrounding the fact that my dad is the president of Central College started the very first day of orientation and continued throughout my entire fall semester on campus. People would ask, “Where are you from?” and I would reply that I am […]
Perspectives: Are We Asking the Right Questions?
Posted February 11, 2012
Mark Putnam addresses the similarities and differences between the challenges we faced 23 years ago and the challenges we face now in higher education in the January/February 2012 issue of Change magazine. Read more
A Look at the Resolutionists
Posted January 18, 2012
Published in Dyersville Commercial A few years ago I was a consistent user of a fitness facility near my office in Boston – a proud member of the dawn patrol arriving at 6:20 a.m. At that hour only the truly dedicated were present. We were all creatures of habit arriving at the same time, greeting […]