NEWS IN BRIEF June 2023
Presidential Transitions: Leadership Succession Planning for Long-Term Sustainability

Who will lead during high-level vacancies? What plans are in place to handle leadership transitions? Managing Principal Rod McDavis and Associate Managing Principal Melissa Trotta discussed these questions and more in a recent webinar on transition planning in higher education.
A few of the takeaways from the discussion:
  • Based on responses from the 2023 ACE Presidents Survey, on average, today's Presidents have been in office for 5.9 years. That number has fallen steadily according to each of the last three surveys, down from 6.5 years in 2016, seven years in 2011, and 8.5 years in 2006. Presidents are leaving their positions for a multitude of factors including crisis fatigue and strife with governing Boards. Presidents are more regularly choosing to leave in the middle of the academic year, resulting in condensed searches of three to four months.
  • Presidential transitions can be made smoother by developing a comprehensive, intentional transition plan and by being prepared with a succession plan for internal and/or interim leadership in the event of a sudden departure.
  • Having an extended period of recognition for the outgoing President, when possible, and planned welcome events for the incoming President, can be instrumental in cementing their connection to the community. Ideally this will be an extended integration period with a regular cadence of high-profile events, rather than a short-term rush.
  • Supporting a President in their first year is key to long-term success and hinges on a strong connection between the President and the Board, with particular emphasis on the relationship between the President and the Board Chair. Transition Support can help create shared understanding and alignment for institutional success.
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PERSPECTIVES BLOG
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Executive coaching is a valuable tool for those who are interested in enhancing their leadership capabilities. Principal Monica Burton outlines the importance of leaders having trusted guidance as they navigate their career path.
WHAT WE'RE READING
Chronicle of Higher Education released the latest data about peer institutions in higher education. Responses about who is considered a peer were collected from nearly 1,500 institutions. Read more.

Women have been appointed to presidencies at top universities at record pace in the last two years. The data shows there is still a long way to go in closing the gender gap of university presidents. Read more.
Recently Completed Searches
AGB Search is proud to have supported these searches. Congratulations to the appointees!
President
Portland State University
Vice President for University Advancement
Colorado State University
President
Wilberforce University
Chancellor
University of Minnesota, Morris
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