From Protest to President From Protest to President A Social Justice Journey through the Emergence of Adult Education and the Birth of Distance Learning

George

A. PRUITT

WITH MELISSA A. MASZCZAK

“George Pruitt’s sense of decency, intelligence, and integrity shines through From Protest to President. He shaped and built one of the most interesting educational institutions in our country. Dr. Pruitt has written a truly American story.”

—Thomas H. Kean, Former Governor, State of New Jersey

“From Protest to President reveals Dr. George Pruitt as a man of principle, passion, and stamina: one of the most important voices for social equity and quality in higher education. Wherever Pruitt happened to be, transformation occurred.”

—R. Barbara Gitenstein, President, Emerita, The College of New Jersey

“

From Protest to President is a book about citizenship and the great possibilities that can be achieved in this amazing country, a journey Pruitt navigated with persistence and class. Dr. George Pruitt is a treasure, and From Protest to President is a gem.”

—Jonathan Holloway, President of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

From Protest to President describes an inspirational odyssey of a young, Black activist coming of age in Mississippi and Chicago in the tumultuous 60s and 70s, culminating in a notable thirty-five year presidency at Thomas Edison State University.

From barbershop encounters with Malcolm X to death threats at Illinois State University and gunfire at Towson State, Pruitt provides a powerful narrative poised at the intersection of social justice, higher education and politics. He recounts leadership experiences at HBCUs and public universities across the country, as he advocated for autonomy at Morgan State and fought to preserve Tennessee State University.

His steadfast activism, integrity, and courage led to groundbreaking work in providing access to higher education for working adults and the military. From his days as a student protester in high school and college to his appearances on Capitol Hill, Pruitt has earned a reputation as a candid and influential leader in higher education.

GEORGE A. PRUITT is president emeritus and board-distinguished fellow at Thomas Edison State University in New Jersey. His stewardship and service led to his appointment in an advisory capacity to five secretaries of education under three U.S. presidents of both parties.

MELISSA A. MASZCZAK serves as Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Leadership and Governance at Thomas Edison State University.