The Journey to the Presidency RBCA 2014

1. The Journey to the PresidencyRBCA 2014 • The career path to the Presidency is one that can not be planned but has to unfold as the result of the career journey. • You need to avail yourself of those career opportunities which come your way that provide the growth experiences (these of course include education) that will position you to be able to serve in this leadership role. • These career experiences may include teaching, curriculum development, students services, academic or student services administration, IT management, etc.

2. The Journey to the PresidencyRBCA 2014 • The old saying that, “Success is a Journey Not a Destination” is apropos with ones career path. • You can not set out to be a President and truly gain the experience required to be successful. • You grow into the position with each new experience along the way and at some point, someone says, “you should be a President”. • In addition to the above, you must come to the place where you are willing to take on the challenge of the Presidency with all its commitments.

3. The Journey to the PresidencyRBCA 2014 • Once you are prepared and ready to assume a Presidency, you have to be willing to accept total personal review and potential rejection. • You will work with search firms but they always represent the institution and work to find the best candidates possible. • Every search is different but they are always political and charged with issues. • You must do your homework and learn all you can about the institution and the politics of the search.

4. The Journey to the PresidencyRBCA 2014 • Once a position is known, the selection process takes six months or more and involves several steps including: • The institution selects a search committee. • The institution selects a search firm. • The search firm works with the institution to set the description and requirements. • The position is posted for 1-2 months. • The search firm previews the applications and does some initial vetting (talk to applicants and perhaps quick reference check) to present the top candidates to the search committee. • The search committee selects 6-10 first round candidates.

5. The Journey to the PresidencyRBCA 2014 • The selection process takes six months or more and includes several steps including: cont. • The first round candidates are interviewed for one hour in person or via the internet. • The search committee selects 3-5 finalists to be brought to campus for 1-2 days of intense interviews. • All input from the campus interviews is reviewed, references, criminal and financial backgrounds are checked and a finalist is selected. • The Board/Chancellor negotiates the contract and the person is employed usually 2-6 months prior to beginning.

6. The Journey to the PresidencyRBCA 2014 • Most community college searches turn up 30-50 applicants while university may have over 100. • There are anywhere between 50 and 100 presidential openings at all times in the US but the academic year and mid-year are the heaviest times. • So you have a 1 in 30-100 chance to be selected in any search. • If you make the interview list on a regular basis, you have the credentials and experience required. • If you do not make the finals, you may need interview skills. There are Boot Camps to help prepare.

7. The Journey to the PresidencyRBCA 2014 • You must be able to accept rejection and go on keeping in mind that once you do assume a position, you will be able to serve in many ways that only the President may. • In closing, I highly recommend that you focus on doing the best you can in each position you assume, be willing to take on the opportunities as they come, and be a “servant leader” serving students and your colleagues and there is no question that you will be both ready and able to be a President. David H. Devier