I replied that presidents are better thought of as King Solomon determining how to divide the baby. They behave most days as 19th century political ward bosses rationing funds and dispensing favors while working to manage an enterprise run by faculty operating like a medieval craft guild. A large, unwieldy, archaic volunteer governing board further confuses their job.
There was a thoughtful interlude between the question and the answer. Then – I hope graciously – I accepted their quite sincere condolences with good humor.
In fact, for those attracted to the work it’s a pretty unique job. Presidents meet interesting people, promote big ideas, and affect the lives of countless students. They watch as students and families live dreams that are limited only by their imagination. College remains that one special place where dreams still matter.
The best presidents see themselves as holding title to a tradition as well as a job. These presidents recognize that the job is a limited term engagement. Every day that they hold the office must count. Some preside. Others focus on the issues that interest them. A few “duck and cover.” The strongest and most respected ground their actions in strategy devoid of personal interests and passions. For these individuals, the price is always worth the costs paid to lead.
There is a somewhat tired debate, of course, about whether higher education is a calling or a business. The answer is that the two positions must be respected and are not mutually exclusive. A good education is built upon intellectual property.
Yet colleges also run with revenue derived by providing excellent faculty, a differentiated and respected academic program, and good facilities. Families – consumers in the business world – pay most of the bill.
