Presidents Join 'Ice Bucket Challenge'

College presidents -- some joined by others on campus -- are taking the "ice bucket challenge," in which people dump a bucket of ice on themselves and challenge others to either do the same or donate to the ALS Association within 24 hours. The effort has raised more than $41 million for the association and brought new attention to ALS -- although it also has been criticized by some as too much hype. At least one Inside Higher Ed reporter had to be recused from a discussion on coverage of this trend, having already participated.

Among those academic leaders (some with colleagues) taking to social media to note their participation (see videos below) are Hal Higdon, chancellor of the Ozarks Technical Community College System; Sister Jane Gerety, president of Salve Regina University; Michael Benson, president of Eastern Kentucky University; Tracy Fitzsimmons, president of Shenandoah University; and Susan Herbst, president of the University of Connecticut. Herbst had the UConn Husky do the honors with the ice bucket. Some presidents are challenging other presidents, as well. Herbst challenged her brother, Jeffrey Herbst, president of Colgate University. A spokesman for Colgate said Jeffrey Herbst was out of the country but that the university was "aware of the challenge." We're not sure that being out of the country gets someone an extension, so he may need to donate to the ALS Association and to UConn.