We believe the world needs more care. This volume seeks to describe theoretical, empirical, and phenomenological evidence toward creating a higher education environment that values excellence in its teaching, research, and service while at the same time ensuring that those involved in these endeavors are cared for. The primary purpose is to provide a state-of-the-art synthesis of the delicate balance between striving for excellence in higher education while at the same time exhibiting an ethic of care for all stakeholders involved. The second purpose is to honor the work and legacy of Jeffrey W. Cornett who embodied this balance during his long and successful career in higher education. Upon Dr. Cornett’s retirement, it is fitting to visit balance between care and excellence as multiple tensions push and pull on higher education – from innovative ideas, changing funding structures, and the corporatization of higher education. This volume will serve to inform all those invested in faculty development, student learning and administration in higher education from educational researchers, practitioners, and policymakers – with the most up-to-date understandings of how we can simultaneously strive for excellence in higher education and simultaneously ensure that those around us in this shared space are cared for.

Contributors are: Carolyne Ali-Khan, Richard Chant, Jeffrey W. Cornett, Daniel L. Dinsmore, Jerry Johnson, Dilek Kayaalp, Wanda Lastrapes, Madalina Tanase, Hope (Bess) E. Wilson and Brian Zoellner.