Portraits in Leadership: Six College Presidents Reflect on the Contemporary Presidency

Authors

• Chris Thomas, West Texas A&M UniversityFollow

Abstract

This qualitative study examines how six college and university presidents describe the contemporary presidency in their own words, offering a personal complement to existing research that often emphasizes governance, organizational structures, or survey data. Through in‑depth interviews conducted in 2025, presidents from community colleges, regional public universities, and a private liberal arts college reflected on their transitions into the role, leadership philosophies, institutional challenges, and the legacies they hope to leave. Their experiences reveal strikingly consistent themes across institutional types. Participants emphasized that “nothing fully prepares someone for becoming the president,” noting the profound shift in responsibility that accompanies the office. Relationships emerged as the foundation of effective leadership, with presidents repeatedly stressing trust, listening, and dignity as essential to guiding institutions. Student success was described as a shared institutional responsibility rather than the work of a single division. The interviews also highlighted the increasingly external nature of the presidency, requiring advocacy with donors, legislators, and community partners. Finally, presidents defined legacy not by personal achievement but by whether they left their institutions stronger than they found them. Together, these reflections portray a presidency rooted in stewardship, humility, and an enduring commitment to students and institutional mission.

Recommended Citation

Thomas, Chris (2026) "Portraits in Leadership: Six College Presidents Reflect on the Contemporary Presidency," Journal of Research on the College President: Vol. 9, Article 4.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/jrcp/vol9/iss1/4