What I Wish I Had Known

“Good followers have to get along with people of different backgrounds,” says Frances Villagran-Glover, vice president for student services at Northern Virginia Community College.

“You would think your first couple of weeks you’re going to create your vision and your plan,” says Yolanda Gibson of Shenandoah University, but grasping budget data, policies, procedures, and protocol are more important.

After Jeff McClurken became an administrator at the University of Mary Washington, the professor of history and American studies wanted to continue teaching.

“Burnout can happen quickly,” says Nicole Reaves, a provost at Northern Virginia Community College. She says it’s crucial for leaders to “unplug” sometimes because they must take care of themselves to work effectively with others.

Irma Becerra, president of Marymount University, in Virginia, recommends that if you want to pursue a career as a college president, you should “take on increasing responsibilities as an administrator” and not skip any steps along the way.

Responsive colleges are the ones that will survive continuing changes in the landscape of higher education, says Brian O. Hemphill, president of Radford University.

“The way that music feeds me and gives me energy has really helped to propel me forward in a lot of administrative ways,” says Heather Coltman, provost of James Madison University.

Peggy Lewis of Trinity Washington University says the ability to listen is crucial.

Kimberly Kelley, provost of the Rockville campus of Montgomery College, in Maryland, suggests ways to excel at that job.