Training Programs for University Presidents: Mission Indispensable

Abstract

The evaluation and selection process of presidents/rectors of universities and other higher educational institutions has always been a very special, extraordinary, exclusive and usually confidential process regardless of which office and/or authority conducts the process. The main qualification has almost always been the academic accomplishments of the candidates and the most promising place to look for a person with the capacity for the job is within academia itself. But the tasks and challenges facing the elected or appointed presidents are greatly administrative necessitating strategy deliberation; institutional positioning, financial dexterity, social skills, fund-raising capacity and leadership. This shift of overlap presents an unexpected and compelling issues both from the perspective of the candidate (or appointee) and institution. Addressing these issues is never easy and institutional pressures do not permit the luxury of learning on the job. Consequently, new educational schemes become available aimed directly the new elected or appointed position owners. This study investigates the training programs for elected and/or appointed president/ rectors as well as aiming the potential candidates. Some training programs are examined and compared by their perspectives, approach, duration, and content. And a new approach for training presidents of the educational institutions discussed.

Keywords: Higher education leadership, university presidents training programs, university management.