Leadership
-
Retrieved from YouTube on April 16, 2026
University of Michigan’s incoming president withdraws after cancer diagnosis
Kent Syverud, who led Syracuse University for over a decade, would have begun in July. Now, the public institution is restarting its search for a leader.
By Ben Unglesbee • April 17, 2026 -
Sonny Perdue to retire as University System of Georgia leader
The chancellor has led the system for four years and will stay on until its board selects his successor, per a Wednesday statement.
By Laura Spitalniak • April 16, 2026 -
Retrieved from Universities of Wisconsin on April 08, 2026
Universities of Wisconsin board ousts Jay Rothman as system president
Tuesday's unanimous vote comes after Rothman penned a letter saying he was pressured to resign but was not given a reason for the ask.
By Laura Spitalniak • April 8, 2026 -
Sponsored by Elon University
4 ways higher ed can lead in uncertain times
How can higher ed respond to change? Explore practical ways to prepare students to think critically and adapt.
April 6, 2026 -
Leadership Ledger
Syracuse, Ohio State, Utah Valley: The latest college leadership transitions
At least fifteen campuses announced presidential comings and goings in March, as the higher ed sector prepares for the end of the academic year.
By Laura Spitalniak • April 3, 2026 -
Deep Dive
What can financial metrics actually tell college leaders about their programs?
Measuring the costs and revenues of academic offerings isn't straightforward, but those accounting decisions have big implications in an era of austerity.
By Ben Unglesbee • April 2, 2026 -
Former Indian River State College CFO files whistleblower retaliation, defamation suit
Marvin Pyles alleged he was unfairly terminated after uncovering millions in financial mismanagement. He is seeking reinstatement and backpay.
By Grace Noto • March 16, 2026 -
Retrieved from Ohio State University on March 12, 2026
Ohio State picks new president after Ted Carter’s abrupt departure
University trustees unanimously appointed the public institution's provost as its permanent leader, forgoing an interim president or a prolonged search process.
By Laura Spitalniak • March 12, 2026 -
Retrieved from The Ohio State University on March 09, 2026
Ohio State University president resigns over ‘inappropriate relationship’
Ted Carter abruptly stepped down from the public flagship this weekend and said Monday he had allowed "inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership.”
By Laura Spitalniak • March 9, 2026 -
Sponsored by Rize Education
Own your model: Why small, residential colleges must reclaim control of the undergraduate experience
Small colleges don’t need to abandon their core model in order to survive.
By Rize Education • March 9, 2026 -
Retrieved from The University of Southern California on March 03, 2026
Leadership LedgerUSC, Southwest Minnesota State elevate interim leaders to permanent spots
From West Virginia to California, February brought a wave of colleges appointing new presidents.
By Laura Spitalniak • March 4, 2026 -
How 3 college administrators are tackling higher education disruption
From AI adoption to tightening visa policies, college officials shared how they’re tackling issues during American Council on Education’s annual conference.
By Natalie Schwartz • March 3, 2026 -
Lawmakers release $8.8M of Utah State University’s funding after audit
Legislators had withheld the money for months while waiting for the audit, which ultimately found spending and governance problems.
By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 23, 2026 -
Q&A
Can Drexel’s new president make the university into a household name?
Antonio Merlo discussed leading the Philadelphia private nonprofit through an academic transformation and navigating higher education’s choppy waters.
By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 23, 2026 -
"Meyer Health & Sciences Building at North Idaho College" by Antony-22 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Accreditor takes North Idaho College off probation
The institution experienced years of leadership and governance turmoil. Now its enrollment is rising and operations are stabilizing, the college says.
By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 11, 2026 -
Retrieved from Florida House of Representatives Office of the Majority Leader.
Leadership LedgerFlorida selects another politician to lead a public university
We’re rounding up some of last month’s most interesting college leadership changes, from Montana to Michigan.
By Laura Spitalniak • Feb. 4, 2026 -
Princeton moves to tighten budgets as investment markets slow
More than half of the Ivy League institution's operating revenue comes from endowment income, but lower returns and higher taxes could stymie growth.
By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 4, 2026 -
Top takeaways for college presidents from AAC&U’s conference
Leaders at the annual American Association of Colleges and Universities meeting shared insights into how they tackle their most pressing issues.
By Laura Spitalniak • Feb. 3, 2026 -
Duke’s budget and employee cuts called into question by audit
An analysis of the private North Carolina institution’s finances found ample reserves and resources, drawing a rebuke from faculty.
By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 2, 2026 -
How 3 college leaders work to boost economic mobility
Three top leaders shared how their public institutions address student needs on diverse campuses.
By Laura Spitalniak • Jan. 30, 2026 -
Accreditors brace for more change under the Trump administration
At the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s conference, leaders shared how they’re trying to chart a path forward amid political uncertainty.
By Ben Unglesbee • Updated Jan. 30, 2026 -
Virginia AG searches for university general counsels to counter ‘federal overreach’
Attorney General Jay Jones is looking for in-house lawyers for three colleges to “fight back” against the Trump administration’s “politically-motivated assaults.”
By Laura Spitalniak • Jan. 27, 2026 -
How college leaders decide when to speak out
College presidents at the American Association of Colleges and Universities’ annual conference advised others to look to their mission as their North Star.
By Laura Spitalniak • Jan. 27, 2026 -
‘The pace is relentless’: How college leaders are adapting to an increasingly hectic job
Senior higher education officials shared their strategies for tackling busy jobs at the American Association of Colleges and Universities′ annual conference.
By Laura Spitalniak • Jan. 23, 2026 -
In rapid about-face, Morris Brown College brings back president it fired
The historically Black institution’s board said it didn’t comply with contractual and procedural requirements when it terminated Kevin James.
By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 21, 2026