Advisory Services for
New University Presidents
Step confidently into your presidency with expert advisory support designed to navigate the unique challenges of higher education leadership. At Wrighton Cannon Consulting, our personalized guidance helps new university presidents refine their strategic vision; create durable and trusting relationships with board leaders, faculty, benefactors and other stakeholders; assemble dynamic management teams, and drive lasting institutional success.
We guide new university presidents who are navigating the challenges of leadership transition.
Accelerating Success for New College Presidents
Stepping into the presidency of a college or university, especially one with an affiliated medical center, is one of the most complex leadership transitions there is, in any corporate, non-profit or governmental domain.
A new president must quickly establish credibility, gain the trust of the board, faculty, students, benefactors and community, and promptly set a compelling institutional vision — all while rapidly learning the culture, operations and leaders within their new institution. With public scrutiny high and the “honeymoon period” short, navigating this transition requires confidence, clarity, and strategic support.
Our advisors provide comprehensive higher education consulting for new presidents designed to accelerate their success, avoid common pitfalls and foster long-term institutional stability. We help new presidents and their boards build strong foundations for leadership, management, enduring board relationships, and wise strategy from day one.
Consulting Services for New University Presidents
Our mission is to equip new university presidents with the advisory services, and institutional strategy guidance they need to lead with confidence and ensure lasting impact.
Executive Transition Consulting
Issue framing and tactics to build confidence, credibility and mission clarity, while supporting alignment across executive teams, faculty governance, and institutional stakeholders.
Strategic Consulting for Institutions
Roadmap development for institutional strategy, communication, and measurable outcomes.
Faculty Governance Support
Strengthening trust and inclusivity through shared governance guidance and transparent leadership practices.
Why New Presidents Choose Wrighton Cannon Consulting
Our senior advisors are sought-after experts in higher education leadership consulting, institutional strategy, and board governance. We combine five decades of campus C-Suite experience with practical, evidence-based strategies that help new university and college presidents succeed from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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We offer transition coaching, strategic onboarding, leadership communication support, board-president alignment, and early-term issue-framing and priority-setting to help new presidents begin their tenure with confidence.
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We guide new presidents through the critical first year by clarifying expectations, identifying and framing key issues, strengthening vital relationships, and establishing a strategic, steady foundation for long-term success.
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New presidents often encounter challenges related to organizational culture, governance dynamics, board and campus expectations, uncertainty about management talents and structure, and achieving early wins. We provide clear, practical guidance to navigate these realities.
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We help presidents establish trust, communication rhythms, and aligned priorities with both boards and faculty. Our approach reinforces transparency, partnership, and shared responsibility for institutional success.
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We help leaders define their own priorities through mission-aligned planning, environmental analysis, and early engagement with stakeholders. The result is a focused agenda, one building on the vision and aspirations that brought the new president to their new professional home, that reflects the institution’s specific strengths and emerging needs.
