Weighing the Risks: Are Community College Presidencies Wise Career Moves?

This study surveyed executive administrators of community colleges that had experienced a presidential transition between 2006 and 2009, to determine their perceptions of “career risk” associated with the community college position of president. The purpose of the study was to be able to compare the perceptional changes over the past three years to a prior study on the same topic by Johnson and Jones (2006). Of interest to the researchers is whether the role of president has become more risky in the past three years. Results of the recent study show an increase in the number of presidents leaving their jobs under pressure. Future comparable jobs seem to be available for most who want them. Consistent with these facts, the majority of executive officers surveyed believed the community college president position is indeed risky. They cited high expectations, evolving job responsibilities, lack of financial resources, board relations, and competing constituencies as reasons.