“President to President" Celebrates 20 Years of
Intellectual Exchange among College and University Leaders
In an era where higher education faces unprecedented challenges, the "President to President" thought series proudly marks its 20th year as a platform for intellectual exchange among college and university presidents. Sponsored by Sodexo, a leading global services company, the series has emerged as a beacon of independent thought, with no editorial influence from the sponsor.
At the helm of this transformative initiative is Executive Editor Scott D. Miller, President of Virginia Wesleyan University, who has been leading the project since its inception. Under his guidance, "President to President" has become a prominent source of reflection and insight for higher education leaders worldwide.
The unique format of the series features individual chapters, written by esteemed college and university presidents, distributed electronically each month throughout the academic year. These thought-provoking chapters cover a wide array of topics, providing valuable perspectives on leadership, innovation, and the challenges faced by higher education institutions today.
"This milestone year is a testament to the enduring power of 'President to President' in shaping the discourse within the higher education community," says Dr. Miller. "We have witnessed the series evolve from a humble idea into a prominent platform that facilitates meaningful dialogue among college and university leaders. As we reflect on the journey thus far, we are excited to see the continued growth and impact of 'President to President' in the years to come."
This year, the
series will explore the profound influence of sustainability and its diverse
aspects on the future of higher education. Present-day students find themselves
at the forefront of a worldwide climate crisis. Prioritizing environmental
ethics and sustainable human advancement holds great significance in their
lives, and they anticipate their campus to be in harmony with these principles.
Adapting responsible
business practices and strategies allows colleges and universities to embrace
their students’ values while also creating lasting impacts that ensure
long-term success in their own community, as well as establishing their
institutions as solid global citizens.
After an insightful
foreword from Sean Creighton, President
of New American Colleges & Universities, this year’s President to President
series will explore the environmental priorities of 10 presidents and their
campus strategies for a sustainable future driven by change-making insights:
●
Leading in a Digital World - Keith
E. Whitfield, Ph.D., President, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
●
A New Approach to Climate Action
Planning: Reimagining Campus Sustainability in a Post-COVID Environment -
Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D., President, University of Puget Sound
●
Making the "Case" for
Sustainability - Robert L. (Bob) Jackson, Ed.D., President, Murray State
University
●
Questions on the Path to a
Sustainable Future - Frank Shushok Jr., Ph.D., President, Roanoke College
●
Reducing Energy Consumption as
Step One to Building a Sustainability Movement - Alisa White, Ph.D., President,
Sam Houston State University
●
Applying Sustainability to
Presidential Leadership - Andrea Chapdelaine, Ph.D., President, Hood College
●
Talent Management as a Tool for
Institutional Sustainability - Sandra S. Harper, Ph.D., President, McMurry
University
●
Strategies for Creating a Business
Plan for a Sustainable Future - Stanton F. McNeely III, Ed.D., President,
University of Holy Cross (Louisiana)
●
Seeing All People More Clearly -
Ronald S. Rochon, Ph.D., President, University of Southern Indiana
●
Sustainable Strategic Planning in
Times of Turbulence - Christopher L. Holoman, Ph.D., President, Centenary
College of Louisiana
In a heartfelt
tribute, Dr. Miller mourned the loss of his esteemed publishing partner and close
confidant, Dr. Marylouise "Weezie" Fennell. Dr. Fennell, a former
university president and senior counsel at the Council of Independent Colleges,
passed away on October 12, 2022. She had served as Co-Executive Editor for the
initial 19 years. Dr. Miller fondly recalled her unwavering dedication to
helping others and making a positive impact on the world. Through their
collaborative efforts, they sought to create a legacy of knowledge and
understanding. Dr. Miller expressed his deep admiration for Dr. Fennell,
stating, "She personified a commitment to helping others and improving the
world." In honor of her remarkable contributions, the series they worked
on together will forever be dedicated to her memory, carrying forward her vital
work.
- Scott D. Miller, Executive Editor
(President, Virginia Wesleyan University)
- Katelyn M. Sanders, Assistant
Editor (Director of Admissions and Alumni Affairs, Dunn School of Pharmacy,
Shenandoah University)
- Kelly R. Cordova, Assistant Editor
(Chief of Staff, Virginia Wesleyan University)
- Stacy Bowman-Hade, Design and
Production Coordinator (Senior Director of Audience Engagement, Sodexo)
- Jennifer Dalhover, Design and
Production Coordinator (Senior Writer, Sodexo)
- Anja Serby-Wilkens, Distribution
Coordinator (Administrative Assistant to the President, Virginia Wesleyan
University)
More information about the "President to President" series can be found at www.president2president.com. This also contains an archive of all chapters since 2016.
