The past year has thrown a harsh spotlight on how difficult the job of college president can be. Intense political polarization, campus unrest, declining confidence in the value of a college degree, a shrinking enrollment pool, and ongoing financial constraints have become the new normal.
In the face of these challenges, today's college presidents need more than academic expertise or fundraising savvy to lead effectively. A new national survey of more than 700 current college presidents finds that a president's ultimate success depends on their ability to lead with integrity, adapt to challenges, and make bold, strategic decisions, all while building strong relationships and steering their institution toward long-term success.
The survey was led by Academic Search, the American Academic Leadership Institute, the Council of Independent Colleges, and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), where I serve as president and chief executive officer. Not only do its findings resonate with what I see and hear from our members, but I also found these same traits to be essential during my time leading two AASCU institutions before joining the association.
The survey reveals both the qualities boards should seek in recruiting a new president that are relevant to the post-pandemic era and the competencies that we as higher education professionals need to nurture in emerging leaders to prepare them to lead colleges and universities in the future.
Key Competencies for Today's Presidents
College and university presidents say these seven competencies are essential:
The Takeaway
Higher education will continue to evolve and change, and college presidents must be at the forefront of leading and navigating that change with both strategic insight and emotional intelligence. And as this survey shows, effective leadership is not one-size-fits-all. The challenges and opportunities presidents face are deeply intertwined with their identities and experiences. If we are to develop and support the next generation of college presidents, we must prioritize leadership development that acknowledges these differences and equips all leaders to meet the moment with resilience, courage, and authenticity.