AGB releases third edition guide for presidential searches

The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges and AGB Search have published a new third edition guide to help colleges and universities manage presidential searches and transitions. The book adds guidance on AI, search committee structure, candidate communication and post-hire launch planning.

Why it matters: - Presidential searches shape the long-term direction of colleges and universities. - The new guide is designed to help governing boards plan earlier, search more effectively and launch new leaders successfully. - The publication also reflects new pressures on higher education leadership, including technology, public communication and changing qualifications for top jobs.

What happened: - The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges and AGB Search released A Complete Guide to Presidential Search for Universities and Colleges, Third Edition. - The guide covers the full search process, from preparing for a leadership transition to defining institutional needs, recruiting and evaluating candidates, selecting a president and launching the new presidency. - The release includes commentary from Rod McDavis, AGB Search managing principal and CEO, and Ross Mugler, AGB president and CEO. - More information is available in the company's announcement.

The details: - The third edition adds guidance for governing boards and search committees on the qualifications and skills needed to lead a college or university in today’s environment. - The guide addresses the use of technology and artificial intelligence in successful searches. - It includes advice on search committee composition. - It covers communication with candidates, campus communities and the public throughout all phases of the search. - It also addresses considerations for hiring a search firm or consultant. - The new edition adds advice for potential candidates considering executive roles in higher education. - The guide says successful searches can take many forms, but common elements include a representative, well-led and well-organized search committee. - Other shared elements include experienced search consultants, broad agreement on the desired experience and attributes of the next president, and comprehensive outreach to candidates. - The guide also emphasizes persuasive presentation of the opportunity, thoughtful vetting, productive interviews, the right balance of openness and confidentiality, clear communication, well-planned campus visits, effective contract negotiation and a considered transition plan and launch. - Rod McDavis said the board’s role in selecting and appointing a new president is consequential. - McDavis said the guide can serve as a roadmap for initiating and conducting a search that ends with hiring the best possible person for the role. - Ross Mugler said a successful presidential transition begins before the search committee convenes and continues after an appointment is made. - Mugler said a presidential search is an opportunity for a board to assess where the institution is headed and identify the leadership needed to get there.

Between the lines: - The guide appears aimed at making presidential searches more deliberate and less ad hoc. - The focus on AI, communications and search-firm selection suggests boards are navigating a more complex hiring environment than in past search cycles. - The emphasis on transition planning signals that the appointment is only one part of the leadership change process.

What's next: - Higher education boards and search committees can use the guide as a reference as they prepare for upcoming presidential vacancies. - Institutions considering a search firm or consultant can use the new edition to frame those decisions. - AGB is directing readers to order the guide through its product page.

The bottom line: - The new AGB guide packages practical advice for one of higher education’s most consequential leadership decisions, with a stronger emphasis on planning, communication and transition management.