Dive Brief:

• University presidents find themselves in increasingly precarious positions with a growing list of challenges.
• The resignation of Howard University President Sidney Ribeau demonstrates the increased scrutiny these leaders face.
• Between 2009 and 2010, 50 university and college presidents either resigned, retired early or were fired, one source says.

Dive Insight:

Budget crunches — particularly at public universities — put university presidents under increased pressure to perform more with less. But the heads of private universities aren’t exempt from the pressure. As the article says: “Long gone are the days when university leaders could pack their bags at the end of the year, not returning to campus until the convocation of classes in September.”