Presidential Longevity — 'Surviving' for the Long Haul

Moderator:

• Dr. Amy Diaz, President, GateWay Community College (AZ)

Presidential Panelists:

• Dr. Christine Sobek, President Emeritus at Waubonsee Community College (IL)
• Timothy J. Nelson, President Emeritus at Northwestern Michigan College (MI)
• Dr. Daniel Phelan, President of Jackson College (MI) 

Discussion Topic:

Recent findings from the American Council on Education (ACE) highlight a worrying trend: the average tenure of higher education leaders has steadily declined from 8.5 years in 2006, to 6.5 years in 2016, and now stands at just 5.9 years in 2023. This shift underscores the increasingly complex nature of the chief executive's role in today's higher ed landscape.

During this CEO-only session, you will gain insights from a distinguished panel of seasoned presidents—both past and present AFIT member CEOs who have successfully led their institutions for a decade or longer. These veteran leaders will share invaluable perspectives on key topics such as maintaining resilience, balancing urgent demands with strategic long-term objectives, and developing a leadership style that fosters both longevity and stability.

This interactive session is your opportunity to engage directly with your peers, pose questions, and participate in an open dialogue that promises to enrich your leadership approach and address the challenges of maintaining a long-term tenure in a dynamic — and disruptive — environment.

Who's Invited:

• AFIT member CEOs
• Invited guest CEOs