Presidential transitions are rarely easy. And yet, with effective communication strategies, the transition can actually strengthen a university’s culture and its relationships. How? Overcommunicating minimizes anxiety around “the unknown;” transparency stimulates trust and stronger relationships with key stakeholders; planning and systems simplify the complexities; and additional transition-storytelling opportunities engage curious audiences.
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
