The Community Solution

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.

Author Biography

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.