Colleges are recruiting a new kind of president

By Deena Yellin, Staff Writer. The Record. Y DEENA YELLIN
STAFF WRITER

Like most college presidents, the new head of William Paterson University has taught college courses and earned a Ph.D. But Kathleen Waldron also spent 17 years in international banking.

Sue Henderson, a mathematician, became the president of New Jersey City University in June. She was selected partly for her experience as a chief operating officer.

Robert L. Barchi, the newly appointed president of Rutgers University, is a neuroscientist, neurologist and educator. But he also oversaw a 51 percent increase in enrollment and a very successful fundraising campaign when he was president of Thomas Jefferson University.

Clearly, contemporary college presidents are armed with different skills from their predecessors. As colleges face declining state funds, cuts in student aid and a weak economy, those searching for a new leader are putting an increasing value on presidents who can get donors to open their wallets.

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