CIC’s New Presidents Program marked its 20th anniversary this year with a highly rated program attended by 37 new presidents. The program is held yearly by CIC on January 3 and 4, immediately preceding the Presidents Institute (January 4–7). Directed by Marylouise Fennell, RSM, a former president of Carlow University (PA) and now senior counsel to CIC, the program helps new presidents avoid missteps early in their presidency and includes topics such as financial fundamentals, working with the board, and development approaches.

In their evaluations, participants said the program is extremely worthwhile, noting that forming partnerships with experienced presidents is particularly valuable. They also value networking with other new presidents and they “gain practical information” and “new ideas” from experienced presidents on whom they can rely for advice.

Since 1989, nearly 600 college presidents have completed the program, which offers opportunities for new presidents and their spouses to meet and exchange ideas with other newcomers. The presenters are experienced presidents, many of them alumni of the program. A separate program for spouses of new presidents is held concurrently.