Mission and Margin: A Practical Guide to University Finances - Hardcover

Diermeier, Daniel; Sweet, Brett C.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0226844145 ISBN 13: 9780226844145

Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 2025

Synopsis

An insider’s guide to university finances, for non-insiders.

The finances of higher education have never been more challenging. From two-year institutions to the Ivy Leagues, from department chairs to provosts, administrators face revenue shortfalls and financial insecurity. A fundamental understanding of financial management is more essential than ever for university leaders at every level―as is a true partnership between academic leaders and their CFOs.

In Margin and Mission, Daniel Diermeier and Brett Sweet distill the principles for successful financial management in higher education, based on their work together at Vanderbilt University. Their concise, practical guide develops the reader’s understanding step-by-logical-step with the help of real-world examples. Margin and Mission aims to give university leaders, from board members to department chairs, the knowledge to make sound economic decisions that preserve their institutions’ purpose―even in the face of uncertainty. 

About this title

About the Author

Daniel Diermeier is chancellor of Vanderbilt University and formerly the provost of the University of Chicago. He is the author five books, most recently of Reputation Analytics, also published by the University of Chicago Press. Brett Sweet is vice chancellor for finance and information technology and chief financial officer of Vanderbilt University. He formerly was the dean for administration and finance at Harvard University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0226844145
• ISBN 13: 9780226844145
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256