Issue 25(2)
Flying Through Clouds: Navigating
Uncertainty and Change in the Student Affairs Profession.
(2004). Randy Mitchell. Madison: Atwood Publishing. 218 pp., $24.95.
ISBN 1-891859-53-6.
Review
by: Jeannine
Kranzow
Director
of Academic Advising
Saint
Leo
University
In Flying
Through Clouds, Randy Mitchell uses metaphors and essays
to guide readers through personal and professional self-reflection.
Mitchell, a long-time academic and student affairs professional,
presents samples of his experiences and examines them in light
of professional development. Each chapter offers readers an opportunity
to ask questions about their own work environments, educational
experiences, professional experiences, and/or campus situations.
The
book looks frankly at difficult questions (with often uncertain
answers) posed to today's campus professionals. Those new to student
or academic affairs work will find that the book offers a nice
look at the important roles they can play on campus. However,
those more experienced may lament that few specific suggestions
are offered for dealing with the topics presented. One exception
is a brief, but useful, chapter dealing with student choices and
consequences; those seeking to improve their work with students
in this arena will find the chapter a welcome resource.
This book is
not an instruction manual; as such it does not provide quick answers
to tough questions. However, it is an enjoyable book and may be
just what is needed by professionals seeking renewal. This book
would make a good summer read to help advisors reflect before
facing another academic year filled with new challenges.
