Generation X Presidents Leading Community Colleges

New Challenges, New Leaders

By (author) Martha M. Ellis, Linda Garcia

Publication date:

08 March 2017

Length of book:

144 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781475831528

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, ValenciaCollege

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

Martha Ellis and Linda Garcia have provided a unique window into the next generation of community college leaders in their latest work. Peppered with contributed chapters from newer presidents who share their own experiences, the book includes refreshing qualitative research and key insights from the editors regarding this group of new higher education leaders receiving the baton from baby boomer presidents. Of particular interest are the multiple quotes from Generation X campus and college leaders themselves, suggesting fresh ways of thinking about the presidency, depicting their strong belief in service to others, as well as their abiding commitment to community. The book is an essential for boards of trustees who are seeking to fill vacant leadership posts, most likely employing these individuals ready to enter the relay race. The book likewise offers counsel and support to this purposeful generation considering this amazing leadership opportunity.