ABSTRACT
The author relationship with higher education and the field of student affairs began in those early undergraduate days. He began his quest for a presidency about ten years before he actually submitted an application. He discovered that the experience of applying for a college presidency was unlike any other process in his career. Wanting a very visible and open process, he decided to brand my listening tour like a music concert tour. This process proved to be an incredibly effective and useful tool. Every session provided insight into individuals' observations and interpretations of the institutional culture. One of the most consistent messages in these forums was related to community. Another consistent theme was excellence–academic excellence, pride in the diverse course offerings, students bragging about the outstanding support they receive from the faculty and staff, the exceptional reputation the institution has in the local community, and how gratified the faculty felt when struggling students mastered their subject.
