Academic Impressions From Presidential Transition to Integration: Strategies to Avoid Early Derailment

Why so many abrupt presidential exits? And how can we prevent them? There are hundreds of presidential transitions taking place every year, but many are doomed to derail early. Why is this? Often, it’s because attention is paid only to the initial hire and transition. Though the search process is important in selecting a new president, it is merely one component in a larger integration process that will make or break a presidential tenure. If we are to prevent presidential derailments, then the integration needs to be explicit, strategic, well-executed, and monitored and owned by campus leaders, especially by the governing board. Drawing on research into hundreds of presidential transitions, filled with strategies that have been tested at colleges and universities, and written by a leading leadership consultant with contributions from former and current presidents, From Presidential Transition to Integration provides an in-depth handbook to setting up a new presidency for success. It is a must-read for aspiring presidents, boards, and executive search and transition committees.