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UK Thelin’s Book Ranks in Forbes’ Top 10

"Essential Documents in the History of Higher Education," by John Thelin
"Essential Documents in the History of Higher Education" by John Thelin

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 8, 2021) — University of Kentucky College of Education Professor John Thelin’s book “Essential Documents in the History of Higher Education,” 2nd edition, made Forbes’ list of Best Higher Education Books of 2021.

Thelin, a regarded authority on the history of higher education and public policy, presents a rich collection of primary sources that chart the social, intellectual, political and cultural history of American colleges and universities from the 17th century to the present. The updated edition includes issues that have shaped American higher education in the past decade, from congressional investigations into endowments and court cases about paying student-athletes, to accounts of campus protests over racial discrimination and adjuncts struggling in the “gig economy.”

In addition to his Forbes recognition, Thelin is the author of “Waiting for Their Day in Court: A History of Professors and the Legal Status of Academic Freedom.” This is featured as a chapter in the new book published by Johns Hopkins University Press, "Challenges to Academic Freedom," edited by Joseph C. Hermanowicz. A link to the book and its table of contents can be found here

Thelin is a university research professor in the Department of Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation. His other books include “A History of American Higher Education” and “Going to College in the Sixties.”

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.