AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education Prepares Future Presidents to Thrive
The AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education was launched in 2019 as four powerhouses in the industry sought to remedy some of the challenges facing higher education. AGB, AGB Search, the Rockefeller Institute of Government (SUNY), and the University at Albany (SUNY) School of Education created the Institute to bolster the pipeline of qualified presidential candidates and prepare participants for the rigors of institutional leadership. The inaugural class was a resounding success, with 21 aspiring presidents—and two newly minted presidents—graduating in June. The program is composed of two on-site symposia (Washington, D.C., and New York City), four monthly webinars, exclusive attendance at the AGB National Conference on Trusteeship, and an on-campus shadowing experience with a sitting president.
The Graduates of the Class of 2019 Are:
Brian Bethune, PhD
Vice President of Learning Services
Bridgepoint Education
James Bradley, JD
Chief Information Officer
Trinity University
Athos Brewer, PhD
Vice President for Administrative Services
Union County College
Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs
University of Toledo
P. Mark Ghan, JD
Vice President for Special Projects and General Counsel
Western Nevada College
Anuja Ghorpade, PhD
Vice President Research and Innovation
University of North Texas Health Science Center
Thomas Gibson, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice Provost
Bowling Green State University
Anthony Hancock, PhD
Dean
West Virginia Community and Technical Colleges
John Jablonski, PhD
VPAA
Adirondack Community College
Kim LaFevor, DBA
Dean of the College of Business
Athens State University
James Lentini, DMA
Senior Vice President for Aca-demic Affairs and Provost
Oakland University
Lynn Mahoney, PhD
President
San Francisco State University
Maria Markham, PhD
Director
Arkansas Department of Higher Education
Keith “Mac” McIntosh
Vice President and Chief Information Officer
University of Richmond
Willie McKether, PhD
Vice President Diversity and Inclusion and Vice Provost
University of Toledo
Shari McMahan, PhD
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
California State University San Bernardino
Felecia Nave, PhD
President
Alcorn State University
Jason Pina, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs
Ohio University
David Rosowsky, PhD
Provost and Senior VP
University of Vermont
Dione Somerville, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs
Bloomsburg University
Tim Taylor, PhD
Former President
Oakland Community College
Brock Tessman, PhD
Deputy Commissioner for Academic, Research, and Academic Affairs
Montana University System
Reginald Wilburn, PhD
Associate Dean
College of Liberal Arts University of New Hampshire
“It is often the case that prospective presidents arrive at their new appointment eager to serve but inexperienced at the wide range of challenges they will encounter,” said Nancy Zimpher, PhD, the director of the Institute. “Our goal is nothing short of a job-ready cohort of tomorrow’s leaders, ready to lead today.”
Research shows that the average tenure of college presidents in their current positions was six and a half years in 2016, down from about seven years in 2011 and an average of eight and a half years in 2006. These data suggest that a larger pool of qualified leaders is needed at more institutions of higher education every year. The presidency itself is also transforming, with more emphasis placed on technology, fundraising, and the changing student demographic.
Two Institute graduates have already been appointed to presidencies while participating in the program. Felecia Nave, PhD, was appointed president of Alcorn State University, and Lynn Mahoney, PhD, was appointed president of San Francisco State University. Mahoney praised the Institute for helping to prepare her for the new role. “The opportunity to learn from national leaders in higher education and to benefit from the experience of current presidents and board members was invaluable.”
The AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance will begin its next class in January 2020. To learn more about the Institute, visit www.leadandgovern.com. Applications will be available in August 2019.
New Chair, Vice Chair of AGB’s Council of Presidents
AGB is pleased to announce the nomination of M. Roy Wilson, MD, as the chair of AGB’s Council of Presidents and Kwang-Wu Kim, DMA, as the vice chair. Wilson serves as the president of Wayne State University and Kim serves as the president of Columbia College Chicago.
New AGB Board Officers
AGB is pleased to announce our new slate of officers for AGB’s Board of Directors:
Shauna R. Diggs, MD
Chair
Beverly J. Seay
Vice Chair
Monroe Miller
Vice Chair
Angel L. Mendez
Secretary
Eric P. Blackhurst, JD
At-Large Member
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Calendar of Events
Institute for Board Chairs and Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities January 9-11, 2020—Naples, Florida
2020 Foundation Leadership Forum January 26-28, 2020—San Diego, California
Institute for Board Chairs and Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities January 16-18, 2020—Phoenix, Arizona
AGB Concierge:
For help with membership issues, product purchases, event registrations, and real-time web support, call 800.356.6317.
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