Kevin McClure Receives National Public Scholarship Award

Kevin McClure and his research collaborators, Jorge Burmicky and Wonsun Ryu, have received the Public Scholarship Award from the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE) for their recent report, 2024 Competencies for the College Presidency: A National Study of Effective Leadership in Higher Education. The award was presented at the 50th Annual ASHE Conference in Denver on November 14.

The study is the first national examination of college presidential leadership in the post-pandemic era. Drawing on surveys and focus groups with more than 700 college and university presidents, the research identifies the skills and qualities needed to lead effectively across a wide range of institutional contexts. The report also translates complex findings into practical guidance for governing boards, leadership development programs, and individuals preparing to step into presidential roles.

Since its publication in September 2024, the report has received strong national attention, including coverage in The Chronicle of Higher Education and Inside Higher Ed. The findings have been shared widely through webinars, media discussions, and professional networks, and are already being used to inform policy discussions, presidential search processes, and leadership training initiatives across the country.

“Colleges and universities are currently facing significant challenges, and presidential turnover is a major issue,” Dr. McClure said. “Our study provides important insights into what it takes to be an effective president in these turbulent times. It’s an honor to receive this recognition with my talented collaborators.”

Dr. McClure is professor of higher education and chair of the Department of Educational Leadership at UNCW’s Watson College of Education. Dr. Burmicky is a professor of higher education, leadership and policy studies at Howard University. Dr. Ryu is a research associate at the University of Texas at Austin.

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