This past fall we assisted a number of institutions with presidential searches and continue to do so into this spring as more and more presidents are announcing their departures. With so many institutions on the cusp of presidential transitions, we are reminded of the importance of succession planning. Academic Search’s President Jay Lemons has written an opinion piece for Inside Higher Ed, highlighting the steps boards can take to better plan for a successful transition.
Jay Lemonsis joined by Dr. Paul Turman, Chancellor of the Nebraska State College System. Dr. Turman shares his thoughts on creating a shared vision by engaging stakeholders early and often through the process. He also discusses the importance of seeking out mentors to help you shape and refine your leadership style.
Since joining Academic Search in 2018, Dr. Cynthia Patterson has facilitated more than 10 national searches, among which 75% of the appointees were women and/or persons of color. Dr. Patterson brings over 35 years of service in multiple leadership positions within education, including as a Vice President of Academic Affairs, Chief Student Affairs Officer, Dean of Arts and Sciences, and Associate Director of Athletics. She acquired extensive experience with programs and initiatives focused on student learning and inclusive excellence. Dr. Patterson also has unique experience and expertise in technology and digital learning and served as a Vice-President for two K12 educational technology companies, and as a Senior Vice President for a risk management and data analytics firm.