Facts can be objectively gathered, but they are devoid of significance until they are related, contemplated, and unified in the mind of a creative person. Facts lead to ideas, and ideas combine with tacit knowledge and skill lead to knowledge which is a steppingstone to wisdom. An academic's task is to find, define, and refine ideas. Books provide an important dimension in learning, but good teaching demands variety. Those who would help students gain knowledge must themselves possess a great deal of knowledge that students can use. Professors must open their students' high-order thinking skills and stimulate students' divergent thoughts; skillful teachers will help students seek significant problems and connect them with useful facts. Although the solving of problems is the task of a craftsman, the defining of problems previously undiscovered and then the solving of these problems is the calling of the master or leader. The problems chosen, and the way the problems are framed determine what facts are needed and how the facts are used. Prospective top school leader candidates should be carefully selected and imbued with a sense of joy for their responsibilities, for administrators need almost infinite wisdom to meld the diversities, adversities, and desires of many people and transform their workplace into a place of happiness and learning. (16 references) (KM)