Strategic Insights for Higher Education Leadership

Essential documents and case studies guiding university presidents and leaders through complex transitions and strategic repositioning.

Key Insights at a Glance

Strategic & Distributed Leadership

Explore modern frameworks for high-impact executive decision-making, budget allocation, and implementing distributed leadership models across institutions.

Succession & Transition Phases

Detailed guides covering the entire presidential lifecycle: from the initial search and four key transition phases to the critical final 'Handoff' and partner integration.

Repositioning & Future Models

Analysis of successful institutional repositioning (Lake Erie, Antioch) and the pivotal discussion on the strategic integration of AI in higher education.

The Content Library

Ten Ways Higher Education Leaders Can Shape This Moment

Inspired by Dr. Lori E. Varlotta’s transformative framework for creating meaningful, enduring impact across higher education and beyond.

Lori Varlotta & Lake Erie College Repositioning

A case study showcasing how speed and inclusivity can unite to deliver meaningful, campus-wide transformation.

The Presidential Transition Partner Role

An innovative, external addition to a university president’s onboarding journey, merging institutional familiarity with peer wisdom.

Phases 1 & 2: University Presidency Transition

Establishing priorities and building momentum in the critical early stages of a new presidency.

Phases 3 & 4: University Presidency Momentum

Sustaining change and ensuring long-term institutional health and strategic alignment.

The Handoff Phase of University Presidency

Best practices for a graceful and effective handover between outgoing and incoming leaders.

Budgeting & Resource Allocation Outline

A foundational outline for transparent and strategically aligned university financial planning.

The Role of AI in Higher Education

Examining the opportunities and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence into academia.

Distributed Leadership in Higher Education

How shared leadership models foster innovation and resilience across departments.

Detailed Presidential Search Document

A comprehensive guide for the board and search committee on finding the next university leader.

Lake Erie College's Repositioning Strategy

Detailed analysis of the plan that successfully redefined the college's market position and offerings.

Antioch University's Mission-Driven Model

Understanding the national model for mission-centric, experiential learning programs.

10 Ways Higher Ed Leaders Define This Moment

A concise list of actions and mindsets required to navigate the current climate of change.

The Embedded Advisor Model

A strategic document on leveraging continuous, integrated consulting support within the leadership team.