Effectively Navigating Leadership Transitions in a Higher Education Context

Kevin Gushiken, Lancaster Bible College, Capital Seminary
Hal Pettegrew, Lancaster Bible College, Capital Seminary
Richard Rhoads, Lancaster Bible College, Capital Seminary 

Abstract

Leadership transition in higher education is inevitable and critically important. This article seeks to describe a successful leadership transition that has occurred in a doctoral program director position of a religious graduate school, written by the outgoing director, the incoming director, and the director of the department in which this transition took place. Considerations of a leadership transition as articulated in the literature are examined. The authors offer key principles and recommendations for higher education institutions approaching or undergoing a leadership change with the aim to encourage a smooth and stable transition.

Keywords: leadership transition, succession plan, higher education, faculty, leadership, religious institutions, Christian colleges

Download Article