This book, the first ever overview of the subject, traces the history of the government of higher education from the middle ages through the 1950's and concludes with a look towards the future. It provides insight into the origins and progression of corporate organization associated with western universities, and explores whether and to what extent changing conditions raise the question of its obsolescence. It will be of interest to those who study higher education as well as the general public, governing board members, and professors.

Series Editor's PrefaceForewordPreface1. Prologue2. Medieval OriginsPrecedents from Roman LawThe University at ParisThe Medieval CorporationFormation of the Universities in England3. English AntecedentsPrimacy of the StateRoyal JurisdictionThe CollegesEnglish Law of CorporationsTransition to American Colonies4. American AdaptationsInfluence of the English CorporationsReformation InfluencesEuropean PrecedentsConclusion5. Governance of the Colonial CollegesHarvardWilliam and MaryYaleOther Colonial Colleges6. Corporate Autonomy: The Dartmouth College CaseAntecedents to the CaseThe Corporate Context for the DecisionLegal Decisions Prior to the Dartmouth CaseThe CaseImplications of the Decision7. Foundation of an American SystemModification of the Dartmouth DecisionExpansion of Public Higher EducationState Foundations as Public Corporations8. Governing Board Authority in PracticeThe Control of Educational ProgramsFaculty RelationsThe Oversight of StudentsRequirements for Educational AchievementFinancial Management9. Conclusion: From Past to FutureThe PastDevelopments Since the 1950sA Look to the FutureBibliographyAppendix 1: Cases for Chapters Seven and EightAppendix 2: Founding DocumentsIndex

After two years as a newspaper reporter in Sacramento, California, and five years as a line officer during World War II in the U.S. Navy, Edwin D. Duryea turned his career in the direction of higher education, receiving his doctorate at Stanford University. In the years that followed, he held administrative and faculty positions at the University of Toledo, Oregon State University, Syracuse University, and finally, at the University at Buffalo/SUNY. As Professor in the Department of Higher Education at Buffalo, he attained a wide reputation in the area of his specialization, especially in the history of college and university governing boards.