In an ideal world, institutional leaders know well in advance when they plan to step down from their positions. After a long, successful presidency, boards and administrators have ample time to plan for the departure of a leader and the arrival of a highly qualified successor. For one example of a seminary that planned ahead for its president’s retirement, see www.intrust.org/Toward-a-Fuller-future.

But what if a president unexpectedly takes another job or falls gravely ill? If your school were faced with a situation like this, do you have a clear idea of what you would do? The In Trust Center has resources to help in developing a presidential succession plan, including articles like “If Your People Are Valuable, Plan for Their Departure” and “Negotiating a Presidential Transition” and a webinar titled “Transition Planning.” 

For more resources, including a succession plan template, contact the In Trust Center at resources@intrust.org or 302-654-7770. We have helpful ideas to spur your thinking.