The perceptions of Texas community college chancellors, trustees, and presidents of the desired competencies of college presidents

Some scholars have predicted as many as 79% of current presidents are expected to retire by the year 2011. Additionally, those who traditionally fill the pipeline will be retiring at the same rates and the numbers of those receiving advanced degrees in Community College Leadership has declined by 78% in the past few years. Hence, there will be a significant leadership shortage in the community college arena. As the functions of the community college change so will the presidency; consequently this new generation of presidents will need skills beyond those of their predecessors. Community colleges are vital to the economy of Texas; so, community colleges must keep pace with the new trends in technology, business, industry, and education. Community colleges must be the glue of the communities in which they reside, thus the community college president must be well equipped to address the concerns of the community. A 100 question Likert scale survey was used to determine if there are significant differences in perception between Texas community college boards of trustees chancellors, and presidents as to the traits, skills, training, and temperaments or is there a communal set of characteristics they agree are needed to become a successful community college president. The consensus of the respondents identified 16 characteristics, which they deemed important for an aspiring president to possess. They also identified one characteristic which can negatively impact one who aspires to become a community college president. Additionally, the respondents were charged with identifying the extent to which these qualities may be learned or are they traits that are innate to aspiring leaders. The data from this research can be used to develop methods to improve the practice of selecting future community college presidents, to evaluate current community college presidents, as a basis of assessment for aspiring community college presidents, and to provide a validated, defined list of competencies which may be used in training programs for new as well as experienced presidents.