1 The 8-Point Guide to Surviving a Presidential Transition The painfully honest guide to keeping your sanity, your self respect and (maybe) your job in the midst of a CEO change.

2 1: Be a good Scout Always be prepared Smart PR professionals are aware of their local environment – is a change coming? Keep your strategic marketing plan up to date. Keep your connections strong, on and off campus. Keep your resume handy – you might need it.

3 2: Be one with the process Designing the perfect president: Campus meetings to discuss challenges, needs. Headhunter & the position description: Be a player – offer your suggestions. Review the position description Where do you fit? Know the code.

4 3: Position Yourself Where are you now and where do you want to be? Questions: 1.Are you happy with your spot on the food chain? 2.Are you valued by others in the college? 3.Can you make a move now, or should you wait?

5 4: Do Your Homework When the finalists are announced, check them out. If the names are made public, talk with your counterparts at other schools. Be careful. When the finalist is selected, be part of the announcement – show your value.

6 5: Starting at Zero Betzners axiom: No matter how great you were in the past, the dial gets reset to zero the day the new boss arrives. Have your plan ready to share right away. Make bold suggestions – this is a time for big ideas. Remember: You need to make your new boss look good. Now.

7 6: Working with the new Prez Congratulations: Youve got a new job. Every day is a day to prove yourself. Be upbeat and inspire your staff. Not happy with the way things are going? Keep it to yourself. Be confident and dont overreact. Presidents are not hired to keep the status quo.

8 7: Shotgun Wedding Things are going to change. Get used to it. What if the new boss doesnt like you? What if you dont like the new boss? The secret plan.

9 8: Making it Work (or not) After six months, review your status. Do you want the old president to return? Questions: Is it working? If yes, great! If not, its time to reassess your future. Can you/do you want to stay? Is it worth it?

10 Surviving the transition: Review You can have a role in the selection of the next president. Make him/her value your ideas and contributions right away. Be bold – new leadership could mean new opportunities! Recognize that things are going to change. No job is worth living an unhappy life. Keep your network active – you might need it.

11 A Case Study

12 August 1, 2011: Marty Parkes Joins LVC August 1, 2012: Lewis E. Thayne Becomes LVCs 18th President August 2, 2012: Middle States Commission Representatives Visit President Thayne

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15 As a Communicator: Be Empathetic Be Energetic and Enthusiastic Be a Good Listener

16 As an Institution: Be Transparent Be Clear and Simple Be Focused

17 Theres Light at the End of the Tunnel June 27, 2013: Middle States Lifts Warning April 11-12, 2013: Middle States Team Revisits LVC

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20 Questions?