A Preliminary Exploratory Study of the Emergence of Nontraditional Presidents at Four-Year Colleges and Universities
Location
Morgan
Session Format
Presentation
Abstract
Higher education in the United States is at a pivotal crossroads, shaped by political pressures, economic shifts, public scrutiny, and rapid technological advancement. These forces are reshaping the traditional role of university presidents, giving rise to a new wave of nontraditional leaders from sectors outside of academia. This study will explore the evolving landscape of higher education through a historical and comparative lens, tracing the origins of higher education globally, and examining the selection, roles, and effectiveness of traditional and nontraditional presidents at four-year, degree-conferring institutions in the U.S. The study will explore the shifts from academic stewardship to corporate-style management while seeking to gain deeper insight on how university presidents/chancellors manage the competing tasks of delivering institutions that produce financial sustainability, political challenges and responding to heightened public accountability.
Using a mixed-methods approach, this research will analyze selected factors and variables influencing decision-making and evaluate how different leadership backgrounds influence institutional outcomes. The study will explore gaps in the research on both traditional and nontraditional leadership models and how these leadership styles ensure the future stability and relevance of American higher education.
Keywords
traditional president, nontraditional president, four-year colleges/universities, Chancellor, Higher Education CEO
Professional Bio
Samantha Holmes With 30 years experience in the communications field and higher education, Samantha has served 19 years within the University of North Carolina System. Currently, she serves as vice chancellor and chief of staff for Fayetteville State University and works closely with the Chancellor and senior cabinet members to manage strategic priorities and initiatives. In this role, she provides oversight for the Office of Strategic Communication, Special Events, and various boards. She also serves as the University’s crisis communications spokesperson. Prior to FSU, she served as the Director of Marketing Communications at the UNC System (2017-2021), Director of Marketing & Communications at NC Central University (2015-17) and Director of Media Relations at N.C. A&T State University (2005-2014). Prior to working in higher education, Samantha worked as a journalist for newspapers across the country. She is a member of the NC ACE Women’s Network and a public member of the NC Bar Council, appointed by the Governor. Holmes earned a master’s degree in strategic public relations from George Washington University (2012) and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Norfolk State University (1990). She is currently a doctoral candidate for educational leadership at Fayetteville State University. Second Author Dr. Noran L. Moffett is an educator who began his preparation for the field of education after serving in the US Army and he has spent over three decades in the field of education to include roles as a school bus driver, classroom teacher, school administrator, and coach during his P12 career. In higher education, he currently serves as a tenured professor and formerly as an academic administrator. Dr. Moffett is humbled and proud to be the maternal grandson of a WWI era veteran; the son of a father who was a WWII era Veteran, and a mother who was a retired public elementary school cafeteria manager. He believes that his parents' limited educational opportunities in the segregated era of American history inspired him to become an advocate for the education of all children.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Holmes, Samantha M. and Moffett, Noran L., "A Preliminary Exploratory Study of the Emergence of Nontraditional Presidents at Four-Year Colleges and Universities" (2026). Georgia Educational Research Association Conference. 21.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gera/2026/2026/21
A Preliminary Exploratory Study of the Emergence of Nontraditional Presidents at Four-Year Colleges and Universities
Morgan
Higher education in the United States is at a pivotal crossroads, shaped by political pressures, economic shifts, public scrutiny, and rapid technological advancement. These forces are reshaping the traditional role of university presidents, giving rise to a new wave of nontraditional leaders from sectors outside of academia. This study will explore the evolving landscape of higher education through a historical and comparative lens, tracing the origins of higher education globally, and examining the selection, roles, and effectiveness of traditional and nontraditional presidents at four-year, degree-conferring institutions in the U.S. The study will explore the shifts from academic stewardship to corporate-style management while seeking to gain deeper insight on how university presidents/chancellors manage the competing tasks of delivering institutions that produce financial sustainability, political challenges and responding to heightened public accountability.
Using a mixed-methods approach, this research will analyze selected factors and variables influencing decision-making and evaluate how different leadership backgrounds influence institutional outcomes. The study will explore gaps in the research on both traditional and nontraditional leadership models and how these leadership styles ensure the future stability and relevance of American higher education.
