Strategic Leadership for
Experienced University Presidents
Even the most accomplished university presidents face pivotal challenges in sustaining institutional growth, navigating complex board dynamics, and leading through periods of significant change. This service is designed to provide tailored, confidential advising to assist seasoned leaders to sharpen strategy, re-examine and refresh perspectives underlying their leadership choices in a time of rapid change, strengthen governance relationships, and ensure lasting success for their institutions.
We understand the unique challenges and opportunities of experienced college presidents.
University leadership must evolve continuously.
Veteran presidents must manage not only operational complexities but also anticipate and respond to transformational changes in higher education — from shifts in enrollment and funding models to disruptive changes in federal policy, to unfolding changes in the makeup of University and College boards, to evolving expectations for a pluralistic institutional community and a healthy engagement with local communities. Leadership challenges may include:
Navigating organizational transformation and institutional realignment
Managing changes in those intricate relationships with boards of trustees, faculty, and stakeholders
Sustaining momentum and innovation while mitigating risks
Re-examining, previously effective, but possibly somewhat stale assumptions, perspectives, management practices and plans
Addressing crisis and disruption with agility and confidence
Addressing threats to the institution’s healthy engagement with local communities
Our consultants recognize these multifaceted challenges and bring extensive peer-level experience to help presidents tailor strategies that respond to their institution’s culture, mission, and evolving external environment.
Evolving Challenges for Experienced University Presidents
Comprehensive Advisory and Consulting Services
for Experienced College Presidents
Leadership Team Development During Organizational Change
Transformational change requires aligned leadership teams. We provide consulting and coaching to help presidents achieve greater collaboration, decision-making, and resilience among their senior teams.
Executive Coaching for Presidents and Provosts
Our confidential, one-on-one coaching supports seasoned leaders in navigating complex decisions, enhancing emotional intelligence in management, sharpening executive presence and strengthening relationships with key board members.
Disruption Management & Decision-Making Support
Benefit from expert counsel during times of institutional disruption arising internally or from external forces beyond the institution’s control. We help presidents fully assess action options, drive development of effective communication strategies, manage board and stakeholder expectations, and lead decisively under pressure.
Why Experienced University Presidents Choose Wrighton Cannon Consulting
With over five decades of leading institutions of higher education, our consultants bring unparalleled expertise across the academic leadership spectrum. We succeed by understanding the nuances and pressures unique to university presidencies and by fostering trusted, long-term partnerships with clients. We tailor our approach to your institution’s needs, delivering customized solutions designed to enhance your effectiveness, governance, and institutional outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Experienced presidents turn to us for objective counsel, strategic recalibration, refreshed perspectives, and confidential coaching that sharpen leadership effectiveness during pivotal stages or inflection points of their presidency.
-
We offer expertise in crisis navigation, strategic planning, change management, leadership communication, and board dynamics — all attuned to the complexities facing established presidents.
-
We provide calm, seasoned guidance to help presidents assess the landscape, communicate effectively, build coalition support, reshape their management support, and make decisive, mission-driven choices during periods of uncertainty.
-
Our counsel focuses on shared expectations, productive communication, governance clarity, and long-term board development, enabling stronger board-president partnerships.
-
Yes. We support presidents in shaping a purposeful, values-driven legacy through strategic initiatives, institutional alignment, and leadership practices that endure beyond their tenure.
Take the Next Step in
Advancing Your Leadership.
Whether you face transformational challenges or seek to deepen your impact as a seasoned president, Wrighton Cannon Consulting provides expert guidance and trusted partnership to help you lead with confidence and vision.
