Charting the journey from selection to strategic stability in a university presidency.
Reference: Varlotta, L. E. (2025). Phases 1 & 2 of a University Presidency: The Transition.
Begins the moment the institution publicly announces its next president and concludes on the new president’s first official day in office.
This stage is one of quiet discovery and careful observation. The president-elect refrains from making official decisions, honoring the guiding principle that a university has only one sitting president at a time. All discussions with future colleagues should be coordinated with the current president or the board chair.
A president-elect facing heightened accreditation scrutiny studied all recent documents and mapped potential focus areas before her official start, ensuring immediate readiness for the external peer review team.
Typically encompasses the first 12–18 months of the presidency, though the "new" leader view may extend up to two years.
Often described as the “honeymoon period,” this phase is marked by high goodwill and curiosity. It is the critical time to listen, learn, and begin building trust with constituents before implementing any significant changes.
A new president launched the "Possibility Fund," a small-scale fundraising campaign providing $500–$2,500 mini-grants for innovative projects, successfully fostering creativity and building early, visible trust.
Listen and learn. Review available documents, websites, and publications to understand both the institution’s culture and context. The goal is awareness—not action.
Follow the sitting president’s lead. Enter into discussions or meetings only when invited and move at their pace. Scheduling meetings independently is strongly discouraged.
Start with the strategic plan, accreditation reports, financial statements, enrollment projections, and board minutes. Also include collective bargaining agreements, donor agreements, and climate surveys for additional insight.
Presence, listening, and thoughtful reflection. Constituents want to see the president actively engaging, learning, and articulating early observations—without rushing into change.
By showing up consistently, following through on promises, and treating every interaction with sincerity. Even small gestures—personal notes or casual campus walks—can signal genuine care.
Reference: Varlotta, L. E. (2025). Phases 1 & 2 of a University Presidency: The Transition.