From Library Journal
Johnson has been associated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for over 40 years, most memorably as president from 1966 through the early 1970s. From his youth in Chicago through his academic career, Johnson notes certain events that prepared him for his role as an administrator. His stint in World War II also provided him with lessons, such as learning how to live under pressure and having "compassion in the midst of disaster." One of Johnson's early accomplishments at MIT was the Senior Executive Program. Johnson also found himself involved in NASA's Apollo Project; MIT helped with guidance and navigation systems. Next came the opportunity to begin a medical school, a major step for MIT. Antiwar demonstrations in colleges across the nation soon followed. Johnson's office was occupied by student demonstrators, but MIT was fortunate not to be a prime target for radicals. Johnson's memoir of life at the center of a turbulent university, too detailed at times, will be of interest primarily to those in the academic world.ATerry A. Christner, Hutchinson P.L., KS
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Review
"Holding the Center is a rare accounting of how President Howard Johnson skillfully led MIT through the 1960's campus revolt. Executives everywhere will learn a thing or two about conflict management from this engaging diary of a university president."
—Thomas Winship, former editor, The Boston Globe
—Thomas Winship, former editor, The Boston Globe
