Although still a minority at roughly twelve percent, college presidents hired from outside traditional academic circles have doubled in number in recent years according to a new study by the American Council on Education (ACE). College board members seem to be figuring out that many of the skills required of a president - including fundraising, politics, marketing, and financial management - can readily be gained outside higher education. Why doesn't the same logic apply to primary-secondary schooling? For a summary of the report, see "More Colleges Are Hiring Presidents from Outside Academe," by Julianne Basinger, Chronicle of Higher Education, December 9 (subscribers only). Copies of the full report, "The American College President: 2002 Edition," can be ordered for $25 each plus $6.95 shipping and handling by calling 301-632-6757.
