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Two Captains At The Helm Of A College

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The perfect college president is wise, has the energy of a 20-year-old, is entrepreneurial, a political animal, and is present at football games, according to Jack Stripling in The Chronicle of Higher Education. Can one person do it all?

Based on responses of presidents who have served at least ten years, seven tasks are listed that take more time than they used to - community relations, enrollment management, capital improvement projects, financial management, assessment of student learning, entrepreneurial ventures and fund raising.

Perhaps two people in charge might lead to greater accountability.

At Davis & Elkins College in West Virginia, the former provost in a newly created post of Chancellor is the primary presence on campus, handling day-to-day operations. G.T. Smith, the president, reports to the board, handling fund raising and board relations. He's quoted as saying, "Presidents complain about loneliness," but in speaking at least once a day, the arrangement seems to work.

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