In the world of higher education, the role of a university president is pivotal yet often precarious. The book, Presidencies Derailed: Why University Leaders Fail and How to Prevent It, delves into the complex landscape of university leadership, providing valuable insights into the reasons behind the failures of some university presidents and the impact of these failures on their institutions. This groundbreaking work is authored by former university president Stephen Joel Trachtenberg, alongside professor Gerald B. Kauvar and former chancellor E. Grady Bogue.

Through an engaging narrative, the authors organize and classify various patterns of leadership failures observed across different sectors of higher education. By drawing on firsthand testimonies from university leaders who have faced significant challenges, the book presents a detailed examination of the factors that contribute to leadership derailment.

The content is enriched by sixteen comprehensive case studies that span four distinct sectors of higher education. These case studies serve as practical examples, illustrating the diverse challenges and circumstances that can lead to a university president’s undesired exit. Additionally, the authors review a wealth of scholarly literature on leadership failures, drawing parallels and offering insights that are applicable not just in education but also in the broader public and private sectors.

This book is essential for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of university leadership. Whether you are an aspiring university leader, a current administrator, or simply a stakeholder in higher education, Presidencies Derailed provides a comprehensive analysis of what can go wrong in leadership roles and offers practical recommendations for preventing such failures in the future.

As you navigate the pages of Presidencies Derailed, you will uncover the intricate relationships between leadership styles, institutional culture, and the external pressures that university presidents face. The authors emphasize the importance of understanding these dynamics in order to foster effective leadership that can withstand the inevitable challenges that arise in the academic environment.

Overall, this book stands as a vital resource for university officials, board members, and anyone involved in the governance of higher education institutions. By learning from past mistakes, universities can create a more stable and effective leadership framework for the future.