“It’s lonely at the top,” is probably an overused phrase, but like most clichés there’s usually a bit of truth. The college presidency, although surrounded by a team of people, can often be an isolating position. Who are their confidantes? Who really knows on campus what it’s like to have the weight of the institution on your shoulders? In this edition, we are focusing on women minority college presidents.

Diverse correspondent Patricia Valdata interviewed six presidents representing various types of institutions, from the community college to the HBCU. These impressive women discuss their leadership philosophies and challenges. Some also weigh in on the unique situations they find themselves in as both women and minorities.
As society changes, so do the demands for specific jobs and careers. The feature article, “Handling ‘Helicopter Parents,’” is a good example. Contributing editor Lydia Lum introduces us to the world of parent coordinators, a position that may be coming to a campus near you, if it’s not there already. Baby boomers are so prone to hover around their children that they have been tagged with the nickname “helicopter parents.” Writes Lydia: “Boomers see no reason why that hands-on approach should change just because their children have moved out of the house and onto campus.”

Interviewed for the article, Dr. Gwendolyn J. Dungy, executive director of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, says it’s smart for universities to have such a staff person. “Imagine if you are a parent, calling the school, going from person to person to get an answer, always getting referred to someone else. Instead, here’s a specific place to go with your issues,” Dungy says.