One of the most beloved presidents of my alma mater, Miami University, was fortunate enough to live during a period of great cultural and technological change and spent much of his career at the same institution. A historian of the university wrote of this president, Alfred Upham, “He first came to the college in a horse and buggy; he lived to dedicate the Miami airport.” Upham served as Miami’s president for 17 years.
How Leaders Shape, Signal, and Build Cultures: A Discussion Guide for Academic Leaders and Their Teams
Among the many desired traits most prized in academic leadership, the ability to shape (or reshape) institutional culture is sometimes overlooked in favor of fiscal acumen, the ability to drive
Lisa Jasinski
May 4, 2026
