On Being Presidential

On campuses and among trustees there is often a lack of understanding of what the president does (and should do), the larger issues facing the institution, and issues that the president grapples with on a daily basis.   As a result, the faculty, administration, and the board can find themselves at odds over governance, which can paralyze institutions and lead to failed presidencies. Adequate training is hard to come by and applicable experience more and more rare. This book provides presidents, senior administrators, faculty leaders, and trustees with a guide to fulfilling their responsibilities and recommendations to aspiring presidents about how they can best prepare for a successful presidency.

Susan Resneck Pierce is president emerita of the University of Puget Sound. As president of SRP Consulting, she advises colleges and universities on planning, effective board and presidential performance, board development, governance, and fundraising.