John G. Kemeny and Dartmouth College

Featuring never before published excerpts from his unfinished autobiography, this book explores the career of John G. Kemeny, mathematician, educator, and president of Dartmouth College. Nelson presents a portrait of Kemeny’s presidential leadership during the tumultuous 1960s and 1970s, exemplifying his resolute commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, learning, human understanding, equity, and justice. Through this discussion of Kemeny’s life, Nelson identifies the ideal qualities of a leader: willingness to ponder, consider, and achieve the best actions he could conceive; compassion, understanding and empathy for others; absolute belief in the rising generation of college students; and courage in the face of challenging public issues, contentious and warring opinions, and concerns. From immigrant roots to college presidency and the national stage, this book tells the full story of a genius and giant of the world of academia.