The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) reports over 900 presidential transitions in the last five years. It also estimated that nearly 50% of presidents will retire in the next 5 years. The flood of imminent retirements of sitting presidents and other senior leaders from community colleges is widely known. As community colleges are facing unprecedented challenges with the exodus of successful presidents, Generation X leaders are stepping in to fulfill the vacant leadership positions. This book is about them-their views on the community college presidency, new challenges facing community colleges, balancing work and other obligations, tapping future rock star leaders, and what every president needs to know that was not taught in graduate school.
Foreword Walter Bumphus, President and CEO, American Association of Community Colleges, Washington, DC Acknowledgements Introduction: Generation X Presidents and New Challenges Martha Ellis, Vice President/Dean of Graduate Faculty and Professor, Community College Leadership Program, Roueche Graduate Center, National American University and Interim Director of Higher Education Services, Charles A. Dana Center, University of Texas at Austin Chapter 1: Who Are the Generations? Linda Garcia, Assistant Director of College Relations, Center for Community College Student Engagement, The University of Texas at Austin Chapter 2: Leading From the Middle Generation Position Thom Chesney, President, Brookhaven College, Dallas County Community College District Chapter 3: Why We Became and Remain Presidents Martha Ellis, Vice President/Dean of Graduate Faculty and Professor, Community College Leadership Program, Roueche Graduate Center, National American University and Interim Director of Higher Education Services, Charles A. Dana Center, University of Texas at Austin Chapter 4: Being Called to the Presidency in Tumultuous Times Kathleen Plinske, President, Osceola, Lake Nona and Poinciana Campuses, Valencia College Chapter 5: Intrusive Mentoring Linda Garcia, Assistant Director of College Relations, Center for Community College Student Engagement, The University of Texas at Austin Chapter 6: "The Real Work": Gen X Presidents as Mentors for Student Success and Sustainability JoAlice Blondin, President, Clark State Community College Chapter 7: New Strategic Planning Kirk Nooks, President, Longview Campus, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City Chapter 8: Trust and Empowerment: A Declaration of Independence Allen Goben, President, Northeast Campus, Tarrant County College Chapter 9: From Latchkey Kid to Latchkey President Steven Gonzales, President, GateWay College, Maricopa Community Colleges Chapter 10: Crafting a Rewarding Life Martha Ellis, Vice President/Dean of Graduate Faculty and Professor, Community College Leadership Program, Roueche Graduate Center, National American University and Interim Director of Higher Education Services, Charles A. Dana Center, University of Texas at Austin Chapter 11: Crafting a Rewarding Life: A President's Insights Stefani Hicswa, President, Northwest College Chapter 12: Preparing for the Presidency: What They Did Not Teach You in Grad School Martha Ellis, Vice President/Dean of Graduate Faculty and Professor, Community College Leadership Program, Roueche Graduate Center, National American University and Interim Director of Higher Education Services, Charles A. Dana Center, University of Texas at Austin Bibliography About the Editors About the Contributors
