UVA’s Presidential Two-Step: Lessons for Higher Ed

It has been a difficult couple of weeks for anyone affiliated with the University of Virginia. On June 10th, the eighth president of the University, Teresa Sullivan, resigned her post after less than two years, citing a mutual decision with the Board of Visitors, UVA’s governing body--and the backlash began. Just yesterday afternoon, June 26th, President Sullivan was reinstated to her post. (That’s the Cliff’s Notes version—more below.)

As a graduate of UVA, Hannon Hill Marketing Specialist Caitlin vonHedemann has watched the proceedings of this shuffle with shock, sadness, and nervousness for the future of her beloved alma mater. As a premier university with a loyal following of alumni, friends, fans, and on-lookers, the back and forth between various factions of the administration, the public statements, and the public debate in the press have produced quite a lesson in transparency and crisis management for any organization.

For Higher Education organizations, there are two BIG lessons we can learn from this debacle. Read Caitlin's full article on www.hannonhill.com for more.