The Community Solution: The Power of Radical Cooperation in Higher Education

by Michael Horowitz

Overview

In The Community Solution: The Power of Radical Cooperation in Higher Education, Dr. Michael Horowitz provides college and university leaders with a transformative framework for institutional sustainability in challenging times.

Higher education today faces declining enrollments, financial pressures, and public scrutiny, yet many institutions remain resistant to change, operating in silos that limit innovation and growth. Drawing from his experience founding The Community Solution Education System—a network of six colleges educating over 13,000 students—Horowitz presents a groundbreaking approach where institutions maintain their unique identities while collaborating to share resources, expertise, and vision.

The book outlines seven essential elements of The Community Solution:

• developing niche superpowers
• embracing two—way learning
• practicing productive humility
• taking healthy risks
• maintaining a global perspective
• creating an inspired vision
• sustaining continuous urgency

Through compelling case studies—from rescuing colleges on the brink of closure to launching successful medical schools—Horowitz demonstrates how breaking down silos leads to institutional vitality.

Written for college presidents, trustees, administrators, and change agents in higher education, this book offers both inspiration and actionable strategies for those committed to creating more sustainable, student—centered institutions in an evolving educational landscape.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798887503653
Publisher:	Advantage Media Group, Inc.
Publication date:	01/13/2026
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

Dr. MICHAEL HOROWITZ is the chancellor of The Community Solution Education System, a nonprofit network of six colleges and universities that has pioneered a collaborative approach to higher education. After transforming The Chicago School of Professional Psychology as its president from 2000 to 2010, he founded The Community Solution to help small and medium—sized colleges thrive through shared resources and expertise while maintaining their unique identities.

A clinical psychologist by training, Dr. Horowitz has dedicated his career to organizational innovation in higher education. His leadership approach combines psychological insights with strategic vision, enabling institutions to better serve students and communities. He is recognized for his work in institutional transformation, academic innovation, and developing sustainable models for colleges facing financial and enrollment challenges.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"These days, challenges are coming to institutions of higher education from many directions. Unfortunately, change often happens slowly, then suddenly. Silos, secrecy, and pride inhibit organizational change when adaptation is required. Two decades ago, the opportunity to partner with Michael Horowitz and the presidents of the independent schools of professional psychology allowed our institutions to significantly expand our programs, student bodies, and impacts. This innovative educator brings his sensible yet inspired formula for sharing information, infrastructure, and support to allow colleges to focus more completely on their faculty, students, and mission. This is a must—read for educational leaders at a critical time."
— Nicholas Covino
President, William James College

"In the book The Power of Beliefs in Business, I took a deep, decade—long dive into the enormous impact that our beliefs have on our organizations and our lives. As William James once wrote, 'Belief creates the actual fact.' Change our beliefs, and we change the way we work and, in the process, the world around us. I am confident that the beliefs that Michael Horowitz shares here—beliefs in the value of collaboration, kindness, shared knowledge, and generosity of spirit—would make a much gentler, more positive, and more productive world. If you have grown weary of the egocentric silo mentality that is so common in the modern workplace, read this book! And then follow Michael’s lead toward a more collaborative and more inspiring academic ecosystem."
— Ari Weinzweig
Cofounder, Zingerman’s Community of Businesses

"I was there at the beginning. I was a senior officer at the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and UniversityCommission when it threw open the door for innovation and Michael Horowitz walked through that door. As the accreditor, we helped shape The Community Solution Education System governance model, then The Community Solution shaped the future of higher education in the region and beyond."
— Richard Winn
Former Senior Vice President, WASC Senior College and UniversityCommission; President, WASC Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges; and Secretary, Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation

"In this important book, Michael Horowitz identifies a key issue that undermines the effectiveness and growth of colleges and universities—the lack of transparency and collaboration within institutions and systems and across the entire higher education sector. His solution is radical cooperation, the principle and practice that has driven the great success of The Community Solution Education System and each of its colleges and universities. Educators everywhere who want higher education to do better in delivering on its promise should read this book."
— Teri Cannon
Founding President, Minerva University

"At a time when small, under—resourced colleges are closing at a rate of one per week, radical cooperation makes a convincing argument for banding together to not just survive but to thrive. Better yet, Michael Horowitz provides practical guidance and real—world examples of how to break down the silos that imperil so many wonderful but struggling colleges."
— Paul LeBlanc
Former President, Southern New Hampshire University