Leadership
Brown, UT-Arlington presidents announce departures
In August, leadership changes at U.S. universities were frequent: Brown University President Christina Paxson announced she would step down in 2027, and University of Texas at Arlington President Jennifer Cowley will transition to a faculty position; meanwhile, the presidents of Broward College and Arkansas Baptist College left due to conflicts.
Why strategic planning in higher education must start with leadership alignment
The number of traditional college-age students continues to decline, financial pressures are mounting, policymakers are scrutinizing the return on investment of degrees, and artificial intelligence is reshaping work patterns as well as student and employer expectations of higher education. In this context, the competitiveness of universities no longer depends on accurately predicting the future, but on whether leadership can agree on shared assumptions, clarify investment choices, and adjust in a timely manner to environmental changes. This article explores why leadership alignment has become the critical starting point for strategic planning and how a shared decision-making framework can help navigate uncertainty.
Inside a culture shift that raised the bar for Elon Law
In this article, the dean of Elon Law School reflects on how the school, through cultural change, increased first-time bar exam pass rates from 51.2% to 90.9%. The article emphasizes that culture is what a community collectively values, and through slogans, high expectations, and comprehensive support, the school successfully transformed students' attitudes toward the exam, also boosting application numbers and fundraising.
Broward College trustees ordered to delay vote on firing president
A Florida circuit judge has ordered Broward College's trustees to postpone a vote on terminating President Torey Alston until the board participates in mediation over his employment contract dispute. The mediation is set for Aug. 24, with a board meeting scheduled the following day.
Broward College president faces termination vote
Broward College's board of trustees is scheduled to vote on terminating President Torey Alston without cause, following months of performance concerns and a formal complaint from Alston alleging retaliation.
What do college students think of their institutional leaders?
A recent poll by Lumina Foundation and Gallup reveals that while a majority of college students (55%) believe their institutional leaders act in their best interests, trust is lower at top-ranked universities. Approval of campus policies is high (79%), but students are less favorable toward state and federal lawmakers' policies. Political divides are evident, with Republican students more approving across all levels. The findings come amid broader public skepticism about higher education.
Multiple U.S. Universities Welcome New Presidents: A Roundup of Leadership Changes at Clemson, University of Florida, and Others
July is the peak season for leadership transitions at U.S. universities, but this year, the transition process at many institutions has not gone smoothly. Clemson University quickly found an alternative after its president-elect changed plans at the last minute, the University of Florida finally welcomed a new president after a turbulent journey, and the College of the Florida Keys faces legal challenges over the sudden dismissal of its president.
Brown University President Paxson Announces Departure in 2027
Brown University President Christina Paxson announced on Monday that she plans to step down at the end of the 2026-27 academic year. Paxson has led the Ivy League institution since 2012, with her tenure reaching 15 years. The university stated that it will launch a nationwide search for her successor and simultaneously begin a new round of strategic planning.