An inside look at the most misunderstood position in higher ed — what it takes to lead, how decisions get made, and what it means to be an effective steward of an institution.
what does it take?
The College Presidency goes beyond interviews with presidents and chancellors, although it has that, too. Each episode digs into the real work that goes into a college presidency — the relationships, the decisions, the pressures, and the skills that effective presidents possess.
From sitting presidents at major American universities to chiefs of staff, cabinet members, and topical experts that know the job behind-the-scenes, this show gives aspiring and current leaders an honest education in what the presidency demands.
Hosted by Travis Smith, The College Presidency is built for the people who are already in the room — and those working to get into it.
What to expect
01
Presidential Leadership
How sitting presidents navigate boards, faculty, donors, and the public — and how they make the hard calls.
02
The Cabinet & Chief of Staff
The people who make the presidency work — their roles, their relationships, and how the best cabinets function.
03
Aspiring to the Presidency
What the path looks like, what search committees want, and how to position yourself for your first presidency.
04
Communications & Speechwriting
The craft behind presidential communication — how the best leaders use voice, message, and presence.
05
Athletics & Institutional Vision
How presidents at Division I institutions think about athletics — the AD relationship, the budget, the brand.
06
Getting Things Done
Practical leadership inside a complex institution — building trust, moving fast, and knowing when to wait.