Two University of Louisiana System leaders have changed the state's dynamic in the past two weeks as they pursue new opportunities within the state's framework, which has drawn some pushback.
Michigan State University Board of Trustee member Brianna Scott has released a letter highlighting chair Rema Vassar's alleged patterns of bullying, carrying personal agendas and vindictive behavior toward members who have opposed her.
College presidents come in all shapes and sizes, but these last two weeks illustrate institutional boards' confidence in hiring academics with battle-tested experience in higher education.
Clarence D. Ambrister and Tom Bogart managed their pandemic-era funding to set their institutions up for long-term success and have decided to retire on the upswing of a highly approved career.
Only two institutions have named a full-time successor since, leaving a considerable chunk of the Magnolia State's colleges and universities with vacant seats in executive leadership.
Among the cream of the crop of R1 universities, 75% of the Ivy Leagues are now female-led. Ten of the 20 schools to have appointed a female president are doing so for the first time in the school's history.
Among the batch of hires and exits, one leader suddenly passed away after her health took a turn only two hours prior. Elsewhere, before becoming president, at least two leaders have served higher education in an academic or administrative capacity for more than 25 years.
Some of these school board members chose to hire—or part ways with—presidents based on their ability to enroll and recruit students as enrollment becomes a more significant challenge for higher ed.
