Dr. Jorge Burmicky, assistant professor at Howard University.
Over 700 college and university presidents have responded to a new survey, providing a glimpse into the ever-evolving higher education landscape. Their insights along with those from four focus groups identified the leadership traits necessary to succeed in the current climate.
The survey was highlighted in a new report titled, “2024 Competencies for the College Presidency: A National Study of Effective Leadership in Higher Education,” released this week by Academic Search, which with its parent organization, the American Academic Leadership Institute.
“Those aspiring to be presidents now see the competencies needed,” said Dr. Shawn M. Hartman, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Academic Search. “How do you gain understanding so as you walk into the presidency you’ve done some work on those competencies. For boards and search committees, it’s also a good reminder of what presidents are telling us makes a good leader, but also we look at it from a gendered and a racial perspective.”
This study looks at aspects of leadership qualities necessary in today’s climate. The essential competencies for effective presidential leadership are trust building, demonstrating resilience, communications savvy, crafting a cabinet and team building, emotional intelligence, leading with courage, data acumen and resource management.
“When you look at the report, there are some [competencies] that we have talked about in previous research, but really how are people thinking about these today and how are they developing or leveraging the skills to be able to be a more effective president,” said Dr. Jorge Burmicky, an assistant professor of higher education leadership and policy studies at Howard University and one of the authors of the report.
Dr. Shawn M. Hartman, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Academic Search
Behaving in a trustworthy, consistent and accountable manner was the survey item most frequently rated as very relevant and a critical skill. This includes engaging key stakeholders. Being resilient, coping with adversity and being able to take criticism was also instrumental. Burmicky noted that presidents said having a core support system, which includes family, close friends and peers, was a key component of resilience. Cabinets can be a great asset or a challenge, and carefully building a presidential cabinet is integral to success.
