Presidencies should be stewarded for long-term benefits: Opinion

In a recent editorial for Inside Higher Ed, Mark Putnam reflects on the high presidential turnover rates at certain US institutions and the way that this trend can lead to more turnover. When a new president arrives at an institution that has gone through multiple recent leadership transitions, Putnam writes that they may face challenges from conflicting expectations, negative energy, and having to look back rather than forward. Breaking this pattern of turnover is difficult and can only be achieved with the commitment of the board and shifts in perspective. The author discusses the value of stewarding a presidency as an “institution within an institution” to ensure the enduring impact of the office and of embracing long-term, large-scale initiatives that cannot be accomplished during a short-term presidency. “Stewardship of the presidency is not about the next year,” concludes Putnam. “It’s about the next decade—or maybe even the next century.” Inside Higher Ed (Acct. Req.) Note: Archived stories may contain dead links or be missing source links.