New Training Available for Community-College Chiefs

February 16, 2012, 11:31 am

Beginning in the fall of 2012, the American Association of Community Colleges and the Association of Community College Trustees will offer a new leadership program, entitled “Surviving the First 120 Days in the Presidency,” the organizations announced on Thursday. The seminar is part of a broader collaboration between the two groups, which will also jointly produce a survey of compensation for community-college leaders.

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bbr123

A president needs to be qualified before being offered the
position. This training is admitting that this is not the case. Most presidents
run campuses based upon their personal opinions about each department. Being an
expert in an academic field does not mean you are a good administrator and/or fundraiser.
The so called shortage of potential college presidents is not real. Many non
academic college administrators are ready to serve but selection committees are
looking for the traditional candidate. That is why higher education rarely
changes.
laker

I think you have read a lot into a short statement. While I might agree that “Many nonacademic college administrators are ready to serve but selection committees arelooking for the traditional candidate” I don’t agree that “Most presidentsrun campuses based upon their personal opinions about each department.” Successful presidencies are about more than opinions. I think this is a good first step in helping new presidents be successful, and recognizing that community colleges are different from other colleges and universities. The differences in board governance alone are huge.

and by the way, it seems to me that community colleges are the one area of higher education that is constantly changing…
captain_chronicle

A good administrator, president or otherwise, has got a solid plan in mind for
what he is going to tackle during the first few months. This plan is validated
with his new leadership team upon arrival. I strongly suggest that
community colleges in particular consider more hybrids and non-traditionals as
presidents. Community engagement and good business practices will carry the
day.

I applaud the training that AACT and ACCT are putting together – good stuff.

By the way, if you are looking for one of these hybrid presidents, feel free to let me know at president1@cox.net

I know a good one!
willynilly

Excellent initiative. Many years ago a similar initiative was launched and successfully operated at Michigan State University by the leading community college professionals of the day. It turned out a generation of very competent presidents – presidents whose leadership was responsible for the booming days of the 70′s and 80′s. I wish the AACC and the ACCT every success.