Why Are College Presidents Leaving? The Turnover Trend in Higher Education

Presidential turnover is a prevalent issue in higher education, with numerous high-profile institutions experiencing leadership changes. Factors such as COVID-19, political controversies, campus issues, and personal scandals have contributed to this trend. Even before the pandemic, the average tenure of college presidents was declining, raising concerns about stability and effectiveness in leadership.

The Impact of Presidential Turnover

Presidential turnover in higher education has significant implications for institutions and their stakeholders. Several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, declining average tenure, and controversial leadership changes, contribute to this phenomenon.

1.     COVID-19 and Timing of Resignations: Some university presidents postponed their retirements to navigate their institutions through the challenges of the pandemic. Conversely, others may have expedited their departures due to the strain and fatigue brought on by the prolonged crisis. The pandemic has undeniably played a role in shaping the timing of leadership changes in higher education.

2.     Decreasing Average Tenure: Over the years, there has been a notable decline in the average tenure of college presidents. From an average of 8.5 years in 2011, it dropped to 6.5 years in 2016. This trend raises concerns about the increasing challenges and pressures faced by university leaders in today's higher education landscape.

3.     Controversial Leadership Changes: The selection of leaders for prestigious institutions has not been without controversy. For example, the appointment of Senator Ben Sasse as the new president of the University of Florida was met with public scrutiny and opposition. Such instances highlight the complex nature of leadership decisions and the challenges faced by boards of trustees in making these choices.

Presidential turnover in higher education is a multi-layered topic requiring careful attention and practical procedures. As institutions strive for stability and continuity in leadership, understanding the factors contributing to turnover is crucial for effective governance and long-term success (Nietzel, 2022).

The Culture of Leadership 'Churn' in Higher Education

Concerning the widespread turnover, concerns over the impact on institutions and students are growing. Leaders like Kindred Murillo, who returned from retirement to stabilize troubled institutions, face a range of challenges, including implementing strategic plans and addressing internal divisions. Burnout and early retirement have become standard across higher education, exacerbated by the pandemic and political dynamics (Weissman, 2022).

Challenges and Solutions

To address the issue of presidential turnover, higher education institutions can:

-        Address political interference by ensuring boards understand their governance role.

-        Support and prioritize DEI initiatives to maintain inclusivity on campus.

-        Improve board governance through training and clear delineation of roles.

-        Enhance funding stability through long-term planning and diversified revenue sources.

-        Deliver modest reward packages to entice and retain qualified leaders.

(Changing Higher Ed).

Conclusion

While presidential turnover poses significant challenges for higher education, it also presents an opportunity for positive change and adaptation. Leaders like Kindred Murillo view turnover as a chance to evolve and meet the evolving needs of students and institutions.

 

References

Changing Higher Ed: Navigating President turnover: Higher Ed leadership challenges. (n.d.). https://changinghighered.libsyn.com/p169-brit-kirwan-pt-01-draft

Nietzel, M. T. (2022, December 6). The Top 10 Higher Education Stories in 2022. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2022/12/05/the-top-ten-higher-education-stories-in-2022/?sh=3e5c85229b63

Weissman, S. (2022, April 6). Leadership turnover plagues California Community Colleges. Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2022/04/06/leadership-turnover-plagues-california-community-colleges

 

 

 

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