News & Insights

P. T. Barnum is credited with the saying, “Always leave them wanting more.” It’s good advice. When Douglass Lewis was asked why he was retiring as president of Wesley Theological Seminary, he replied with a similar idea. It was something his mother used to say: "You ought to leave the party while you're having a good time."

For long-serving presidents, the decision to take that final bow and step down from the institutional stage can be a hard one. At the personal level, it’s more satisfying to take that bow before an appreciative audience -- more so than being yanked off-stage by a long shepherd’s crook. Professionally, timing your exit has benefits as well. Not only does a well-timed and properly prepared transition protect a president’s legacy, but it can also help a community be more receptive to new leadership, and it can position an institution for continued health and success.

In a 2012 article for In Trust, Heather Grennan Gary spoke with more than half a dozen presidents about their own transitions out of the corner office. Why did they decide to step down? How did boards help with the transition? What is it like to live as a "former" president?

Some of the conversations may still be challenging for current presidents. For example, Sam Calian, president emeritus of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, recognized that everyone is expendable. Leaders who feel they are not expendable may be standing in the way of changes the school needs to make, he said.

For anyone curious as to how to plan for a smooth change in leadership — presidents, board members, administrators — this piece offers a unique look at to do it. There's even a list of questions board members can ask to help facilitate a positive transition. Read it now at “A graceful exit."

Top Topics

Roles & Responsibilities

Challenges

Opportunities

Board Essentials

Upcoming Events

The In Trust Center hosts learning community spaces throughout the year. Check out our upcoming events below.

Closing the Trust Gap

ON DEMAND

The current and very troubling condition of trust is a clarion call to action. But despite the dismal data showing pervasive organizational distrust, every organization can assess their current level of trust, learn and adopt a proven trust building framework, and then develop a meaningful and long-lasting plan of action. This webinar details the knowledge and practical next steps to strengthen workplace culture as a result of closing the trust gap.

In Trust Center Resource Grants

ON DEMAND

An In Trust Center Resource Grant offers member schools a chance to explore innovation at their institutions through a matching grant opportunity of up to $15,000. Listen to this 30-minute information session, including Q&A, as we provide details on eligibility requirements, funding priorities, application process. Previous grantees are eligible to apply as long as they are not within our current funding cycle.

Conflict + Crisis: Navigating the Shoals, Part 2 – A Deeper Dive

ON DEMAND

Presenter Donna Alexander, President & CEO of Advoxum Global Strategies, offers best practices for navigating conflict and crisis. She examines the crucial elements of defining conflict and crisis, identifying, and prioritizing affected stakeholders, utilizing effective communication strategies, and ultimately, executing a plan of action. Click here to view.

Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?

In Trust Center provides Resource Consulting to our members at no charge. Contact us today and let us guide you to the most helpful resources for your situation.

Contact Us