Learning Resources

Survival of the Financially Fittest

Leverage Strategic Decision-Making and Key Financial Metrics to Achieve Financial Stability

By: Aaron Meis, EdD, and Julee Gard, EdD

Leaders must look closely at financial trends that may reveal signs of trouble—in the short or immediate term—and have the courage to act to address them.

From Volume 52 Number 1 | October–December 2023

Abstract: This article explores a methodology for assessing and managing the financial viability of private, tuition-dependent institutions as well as institutional tactics and strategies used to improve their financial strength. The resulting model will help institutions understand the trends and predictive value of key financial metrics directly impacting their liquidity and operations and how senior leadership can drive change. Institutional examples illustrate how to engage senior leadership in strategic decision-making that includes assessment of revenue growth and/or expense management.

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The President’s Role in Cultivating Positive Town-Gown Relations

By: Lawrence Weill

College presidents should strive to engage their colleges and communities to develop a college town atmosphere and economy.

From Volume 37 Number 4 | July–September 2009

Abstract: This article examines the benefits and challenges a college president faces when attempting to cultivate relationships with the community in which the college resides. Throughout history, the relationships between institutions of higher education and the communities that house them have often been turbulent, but much good can be realized when true collaboration is achieved. The author shares examples of colleges that have achieved positive outcomes from partnerships and explains why creating a cooperative environment benefits the college. The author’s experiences at a small Georgia college—both successes and failures—show how active management can build a vibrant town-gown community.

Institutions Mentioned: Gordon College
Tags: Presidential Leadership, Town and Gown

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How Strategic Presidential Leadership and Institutional Culture Influenced Fund-Raising Effectiveness at Spelman College

By: Thomas Gregory Barrett

An explanatory case study qualitatively examines Spelman College using the presidential leadership strategy, decision approaches, and preferred institutional culture types of three past presidents as the embedded units of analysis. Despite novel leadership strategies and unique decision approaches, each president's fund-raising initiatives were successful. Viewing fundraising through these lenses provides a good starting point for institutional planners desiring to develop a research agenda for more effective funding-raising campaigns.

From Volume 35 Number 1 | October–December 2006

Abstract: How have presidential leadership strategy, decision approaches, and institutional culture preferences influenced fund-raising effectiveness at a historically Black college for women? These conceptual dimensions guided a qualitative study that interviewed three recent Spelman College presidents and investigated documentary evidence to develop an understanding of each president's relative successes. Although generalizability is not possible when studying a single institution, the three very individualistic approaches to fund-raising adopted by these presidents indicate the contextual nature of fund-raising effectiveness and highlight the need for knowledgeable institutional planners who understand each of these conceptual dimensions to accommodate the varying contexts of their institutions.