Kevin McClure Co-Authors Research Report

Kevin McClure and researchers Jorge Burmicky and Wonsun Ryu surveyed more than 700 college and university presidents and conducted focus groups with a broad range of institutional leaders to identify the leadership traits needed to succeed in today’s challenging and political higher education landscape. Results were published in a report, 2024 Competencies for the College Presidency: A National Study of Effective Leadership in Higher Education, released by Academic Search in September.

Behaving in a trustworthy, consistent and accountable manner emerged as the top leadership quality, cited by 96 percent of respondents. Demonstrating resilience and communicating effectively were also highly rated as critical skills for college presidents. Other core competencies included in the top seven were crafting a cabinet and team building, emotional intelligence, leading with courage and data acumen and resource management.

“Colleges and universities are currently facing significant challenges and presidents are serving shorter terms,” Dr. McClure said. “This national study of presidential competencies is the most comprehensive to date and draws on the perspectives of current higher education leaders about what it takes to be an effective president in these turbulent times.”

Dr. McClure is an associate professor of higher education and the Murphy Distinguished Scholar in Education at UNCW’s Watson College of Education. Dr. Burmicky is a professor of higher education, leadership and policy studies at Howard University and Dr. Ryu is a research associate at the University of Texas at Austin.

The study, sponsored by Academic Search, was conducted in partnership with American Academic Leadership Institute, American Association of State Colleges and Universities and The Council of Independent Colleges. The report was published in September.

Media Coverage

• The Chronicle of Higher Education, September 16 What Makes You Ready to Be a College President? 
• Inside Higher Ed, September 16 Study: The 7 Competencies Presidents Need
• Diverse, September 16 Self Awareness and Emotional Intelligence Integral for College Presidency Effectiveness