News & Insights

The business section of the bookstore abounds with titles that promise new approaches to better leadership and management. Today’s CEO has as many professional-growth resources as today’s hipster has flannel shirts. By and large, there’s a lot of good advice, a lot of great strategies, and a lot of effective programs out there for leaders.

For leaders in graduate-level theological institutions, however, there are only a handful of organizations dedicated to your particular niche. Thankfully, they produce well-researched quality resources. The Auburn Center for the Study of Theological Education, for example, is always doing useful research that can directly impact how schools achieve their mission with financial vitality.

A while back the Auburn Center published a report that still resonates: “Leadership that Works.” Over several years, researchers talked to new presidents, board members, faculty, and staff at 10 schools. From these extensive interviews, researchers were able to glean five “core functions” that define an effective seminary president. 

  • Team-building
  • Faculty relations
  • Financial management
  • Institutional advancement
  • Vision

In her Summer 2010 In Trust article on the report, "Effective presidents: New research reveals the marks of strong leaders," Barbara Wheeler unpacked each of those core functions and laid out a blueprint not only for leaders who want to identify areas for growth, but also for boards looking to hire a new president. 

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Upcoming Events

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

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

Thursday, February 15, 2024, 1:00 p.m. (ET)

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 register.

In Trust Center Resource Grants

FEBRUARY 22, 2024, 1 PM (ET)

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. Join us for 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. Click to register.

Conflict + Crisis: Navigating the Shoals, Part 1

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.

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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.

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