The Board and President: From Search to Succession
The Board and President: From Search to Succession
This course equips governing boards of Christian colleges and universities to lead with wisdom and confidence through every phase of presidential succession, from preparing for leadership change to welcoming and supporting a new president. Drawing on ABHE’s extensive experience in Christian higher education, this course explores how to time and communicate departures effectively, honor and celebrate outgoing presidents, onboard new leaders with clarity and care, and sustain effective governance during the critical first year. Emphasizing both practical systems and spiritual stewardship, this course helps boards ensure mission continuity, institutional stability, and God-honoring leadership transitions.
Instructor:
114 Minutes
of Video
5 Lessons
22 Activities
10 Hours
Total Effort
Learning Objectives
This course aims to equip you to:
- Explain the essential stages of a presidential transition and the board’s responsibilities in each phase, from planning through first-year evaluation.
- Develop effective strategies for succession planning, including timelines, communication practices, and preparation for unexpected vacancies.
- Identify the practices that bring a presidency to a healthy conclusion while safeguarding institutional health and morale.
- Describe the components of a structured onboarding and support plan for a new president and family that fosters early success and long-term mission alignment.
- Recognize the principles of accountability and holistic care that sustain healthy board-president relationships during the new leader’s first year.