Thought Leadership Archives

Higher Education’s Leadership Pipeline is Stronger Than the Headlines Suggest

The headlines suggest fewer people want to lead colleges and universities. Our experience tells a different story. After conducting more than 100 presidential searches in the past five years, we continue to see strong, talented, and deeply committed leaders stepping forward to serve higher education. Academic Search President Jay Lemons reflects on what we are seeing across the leadership landscape: strong candidate pools, growing investment in leadership development, increased support through executive coaching, and encouraging signs that higher education leadership is becoming more representative of the communities institutions serve.

Leadership Renewal Starts with Intention

Leaders across higher education are being asked to do more with less, often while setting aside their own professional and personal growth. When we neglect well-being and renewal, we risk burnout, disconnection, and mission drift. This resource offers a range of practical ways to support leadership renewal for yourself, your team, and emerging leaders at your institution.

A Guide to Effective & Strategic Cabinet Retreats

Effective leadership teams leverage annual cabinet retreats to enhance capacity building and ongoing learning. These retreats are an opportunity for a president to invest in their team, clarify expectations, deepen relationships and collaboration, align and commit to institutional priorities, and build a plan and momentum for the year ahead. Presidents who approach cabinet retreats intentionally and strategically can expect heightened team dynamics that lead to a more sustained and focused impact.

Competencies for the College Presidency

The college presidency has always been demanding, and the post-pandemic era presents intensified challenges such as political polarization, campus unrest, demographic shifts, and financial constraints. Effective presidential competencies evolve with these contexts, requiring a constellation of adaptable skills, highlighted in this research.

Building Resilient Leadership: Lessons from Deloitte’s Higher Education Trends

In a rapidly changing educational landscape, the role of presidential leadership has never been more critical. Rodney Clark, Senior Consultant, shares his perspective on the latest observations from Deloitte on higher education trends.

Leaving the Presidency with Grace

Transitioning out of a presidential role in higher education is an art form, balancing personal reflection with institutional foresight. Drawing from their own experiences as former presidents, Senior Consultants Tara Singer, of Omicron Delta Kappa, and Margaret Venable, of Dalton State College, offer a blueprint for outgoing leaders aiming to sculpt a legacy while leaving their institutions well-prepared for future challenges and opportunities. Their invaluable insights center on applying the principles of self-management, successor support, and staff engagement.

HERS Executive Coaching Circles: Empowering Women Leaders in Higher Education

We are proud to spotlight the HERS Executive Coaching Circles, an innovative initiative designed to empower women leaders within the higher education landscape. Ten of our leading women Senior Executive Coaches facilitate the comprehensive program, in collaboration with HERS, offering a dynamic platform for women in executive roles, such as vice presidents, vice provosts, directors, and other senior positions, to enhance their leadership capabilities.

Crafting Effective Application Materials for Academic Leadership Roles

For those contemplating their next career move in academia, there are a few best practices to consider. Candidates should cater application materials to the specific institution and role they are applying for while keeping materials brief and clear. Dr. Scott Flanagan, Senior Consultant at Academic Search, shares advice for crafting materials that will be well-received by search committees and hiring authorities.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2023

There are more than 62 million Hispanic Americans in the US, each with a story rich in unique experiences, struggles, and triumphs. This growing population is reshaping the demographics of our country and making an impact on the economy and political landscape. Dr. Carlos N. Medina reflects on the contributions of this influential population and offers advice on how to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month which runs from September 15 to October 15.

10 Commandments for Boards and New Presidents

Leadership transitions within an institution mark a pivotal moment that demands careful planning and consideration. At the forefront of the transition lies the relationship between the institution’s board and its new president. Attending to this relationship is crucial for ensuring a successful leadership transition.