Cornell President Martha E. Pollack has announced she will retire on June 30 after leading the New York university for seven years. Pollack's departure marks the third Ivy League leader to step down amid political turbulence in recent months.
With Soka University of America about to graduate its 20th class, it's ready to become a model for other institutions, says founding faculty member and second president Ed Feasel.
The three presidents to step down demonstrate a variety of reasons for making a change: to reengage in academia, pursue other opportunities or make way for new leadership during trying times.
"It's at this moment when you're called to lead. It's hard and exhausting, but it's also an energizing moment," the Hollins University president says. "We can change the trajectory of our students' lives, our institutions' lives and this nation's future."
Three college administrators—including one president—will be coordinating goodbye parties at their current institutions as they prepare to move on to bigger opportunities elsewhere.
The U.S. Department of Education recently found that the CUNY college had the fourth-highest transfer-out rate for Title IV students in the nation; 55% ultimately earned bachelor's degrees within eight years, compared to the country's 13% average.
At least six four-year institutions have hired a president in the past two weeks. Among them, two are walking into rough waters as each institution endures a year of upheaval and controversy.
"A strategic plan is somewhat useless today," Florida Institute of Technology President John Nicklow says. "Our industry partners are changing rapidly, so our plan better as well."
Amid Jackson's continuing water crisis and its premier university's revolving door of former leaders, first-time President Marcus Thompson wants everyone to know he's here for the long haul.
