ABSTRACT
This chapter explores many opportunities and challenges for effective leadership at Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). It aims to engage in conversations regarding what themes unite MSIs as a group and themes that might distinguish MSIs from each other. Leaders of other MSIs can find value in the model as well, particularly as new senior leaders should be evaluated on whether they can effectively balance emergent needs and strategic needs, not on whether they come through the academic ranks according to tradition. Of note, a close examination of skill sets demonstrated by the most progressive current and aspiring chief student affairs officers (CSAOs) reveals acumen in the sort of "disruptive" leadership many MSIs need in order to define a niche in a saturated higher educational market. Moreover, proactive succession planning and leadership sourcing, rather than reactionary appointments made in haste, are important for building strong MSI leadership teams.
