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A college or university is a community full of competing ideas, plans, and goals. The leader of the community is the college president, a person who must negotiate many different points of view and work out the best solutions for everyone. In short, it’s not an easy job, but it often is a rewarding one. The stewardship of an institution of higher learning impacts people’s lives now and in the future while answering to traditions and seeking to build new legacies.
The Doctor of Education: Leadership program at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota can help provide the skills and credentials required for the role of college president. Aligned with our Lasallian Catholic education values of ethical leadership and scholarship, this online program demands focus and dedication.
Outline of Duties and Responsibilities for College Presidents
Similarly to other CEOs, college presidents develop and codify overall strategies and institutional goals. While college presidents receive a great deal of support from staff, they also are responsible for crisis management and public relations when challenges occur.
College presidents need to know all the players at the institution. This may include representatives from student life, academic standards, athletics, operations, financial services, development, admissions, and faculty. While many directors and department heads first report to deans or provosts, they ultimately report to the college president. There is always a wide variety of committees and projects underway. However, knowing who is responsible for what tasks, and keeping an eye on finances is only part of what college presidents do.
College presidents often are tasked with fundraising and development responsibilities. They attend functions, meet with potential donors, address alumni groups, and entertain community members. The president also participates in envisioning the future of the institution. This is in partnership with donors, funders, and almost every department on campus. Whether engaged with planning a new sciences complex, fundraising for a better field on which to host soccer games, or endowing a new faculty chair, the college president role is busy and must keep track of many different activities and goals on any one day.
Learn Skills for College Leadership
At the core of our online doctorate in educational leadership is empowerment. As students develop the skills and awareness to become good leaders, they gain confidence. As they practice leadership in their work and personal lives, they realize that empowering other voices and working effectively together with an organization or community yields the best results. Those who will become college presidents benefit greatly by advancing through the goals of the program, including:
- Engaging with and applying critical thinking
- Practicing justice, empathy, compassion, and cultural competence
- Operating with awareness of our complex global environment
- Creating learning, nonprofit, and other organizations
- Assisting organizations to learn and grow
- Demonstrating leadership qualities and competencies
Outline of Duties and Responsibilities for College Presidents
Similarly to other CEOs, college presidents develop and codify overall strategies and institutional goals. While college presidents receive a great deal of support from staff, they also are responsible for crisis management and public relations when challenges occur.
College presidents need to know all the players at the institution. This may include representatives from student life, academic standards, athletics, operations, financial services, development, admissions, and faculty. While many directors and department heads first report to deans or provosts, they ultimately report to the college president. There is always a wide variety of committees and projects underway. However, knowing who is responsible for what tasks, and keeping an eye on finances is only part of what college presidents do.
College presidents often are tasked with fundraising and development responsibilities. They attend functions, meet with potential donors, address alumni groups, and entertain community members. The president also participates in envisioning the future of the institution. This is in partnership with donors, funders, and almost every department on campus. Whether engaged with planning a new sciences complex, fundraising for a better field on which to host soccer games, or endowing a new faculty chair, the college president role is busy and must keep track of many different activities and goals on any one day.
College President Job Outlook and Potential Earnings
Many types of colleges and educational institutions need college presidents. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth of top executives at 3% through 2032. Top-earning college presidents may earn between $3 million and $8 million, including base pay, bonus pay, health insurance, and other benefits. Other sources place an average university president’s salary in the U.S. at $186,961, with higher earners making $323,500.
College presidents work long hours and usually are on call in case of emergencies. They also may have expenses related to fundraising and other college activities.
Doctor of Education: Leadership Degree Program at Saint Mary’s
Our Doctor of Education: Leadership degree program provides students with an important academic credential, but more importantly, our curriculum provides a thorough grounding in educational and organizational leadership skills. Applicants to this stellar online program must have earned a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution while maintaining a 3.0 grade point average or better on a 4.0 scale.
The pathway to becoming a college president often begins with holding a faculty position or entering academic administration. These professionals must understand the way academia functions, the role of the faculty, and student services. They must also have a firm grip on the intricacies of organizational and financial functions. In addition, college presidents need many soft skills, including communication, listening, and problem-solving. If you are interested in our Doctor of Education: Leadership program, and want more information, contact our graduate admissions office.
Obtain Skills and Credentials for a College President Career at Saint Mary’s
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers several programs for adult learners in our School of Graduate and Professional Programs. Develop the skills and knowledge you need to advance your career and make a positive contribution to our world. The Doctor of Education: Leadership program will help prepare you for leadership and scholarship. Open the doors to your dream of becoming a college president. Request information today.
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