The programming committee for the 79th Annual SAM International Business Conference is pleased to announce the acceptance of the presentation, Managing Higher Education Executive Teams for Success: Perspectives of Presidents, Chancellors, and Campus Leaders by Susan Elkins and Robert “Bob” Bell.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, college and university leaders face an array of unprecedented challenges. From the so-called enrollment cliff to the intense scrutiny over the value of higher education, the pressures on institutions to not only sustain but also to flourish are immense. It’s within this context that a particularly timely and insightful academic paper is set to be presented at the upcoming SAM International Business Conference, offering a beacon of guidance for presidents, chancellors, and cabinet-level leaders navigating these turbulent waters.
The paper delves into the daunting realities confronting today’s higher education administrators. The authors argue that the current climate, characterized by a competitive scramble for scarce resources and a growing skepticism towards the value of a degree, demands innovative approaches to leadership and management. They suggest that the path forward for colleges and universities lies not just in addressing these immediate challenges but in fundamentally reimagining how they articulate and demonstrate their value to students, their families, and the wider community.
Central to the paper’s findings is the emphasis on the crucial role of executive teams in steering institutions through this difficult post-pandemic environment. Drawing on insights from seasoned college and university presidents, chancellors, and other key decision-makers, the authors outline a series of powerful practices that have been instrumental in achieving organizational success. Rather than presenting a prescriptive set of solutions, the paper illuminates the strategic, visionary, and engaging leadership that underpins thriving educational institutions.
The narrative weaves together themes of strategic planning, visionary leadership, and goal setting with the imperative of fostering deep engagement with all stakeholders. The authors highlight the importance of clear, effective communication and the transformative potential of leveraging data for decision-making and continuous improvement. These practices, they argue, are not just about navigating immediate challenges but are foundational to building resilient, healthy higher education institutions that can fulfill their missions in an ever-changing societal landscape.
As the SAM International Business Conference approaches, this paper stands out as a must-read for those committed to the future of higher education. It offers not only a sobering analysis of the challenges at hand but also a hopeful vision of what’s possible when leaders come together to share insights, strategies, and practices. For educators, administrators, and policymakers alike, this presentation promises to be a pivotal moment of learning, inspiration, and collective envisioning of a brighter future for higher education institutions and the communities they serve.
Join us online or in person at SAMIBC 2024 and see this great presentation and many more March 19 – March 23, 2024. For registration information visit www.samnational.org/conference.