Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 2026

Abstract

This qualitative study is a comparative case study of higher education presidents. It examines how current higher education presidents described the essential traits, attributes, and skills of the position and whether these presidents have always possessed them or acquired them over time and through experience. This topic is essential, as it appears that presidents are leaving their positions sooner, and this research provides incoming presidents with preparation advice and current presidents with advice to help them stay in their positions longer. The data were obtained through resumes, a trait questionnaire, and interviews with current higher education presidents. These three data sources were used to triangulate the themes, which were then confirmed with member checking. The identified themes were learned extraversion; communication and listening; mentorship and relationships; humility, continuous growth, and learning; business acumen; and vision and values alignment.

Keywords

higher education leadership, university president, traits, attributes, skills, innate vs. learned, elite interviews

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Educational Leadership

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy

First Committee Member (Chair)

Trenia Walker

Second Committee Member

Allison M. Borden

Third Committee Member

Steve McLaughlin

Fourth Committee Member

Mateo Garcia

Download

Share

COinS