ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the lived experiences of sitting community college presidents. These Sitting Presidents were purposefully chosen to reflect a diverse selection of racial, ethnic, and gendered individuals working today in community colleges. The lessons learned by the Sitting Presidents align with the literature and with the narratives of the Buttimer award recipients in terms of steps taken to get to the presidency, ascendency preparation, significant challenges, and advice they would give to aspiring leaders. All but one sitting president mentioned that mentorship was the most critical ascendency preparation. In becoming an expert, the Sitting Presidents focused on building their research skills and the specific skills of knowing how to use research to build a culture of evidence. The Sitting Presidents defined problem-solving as a skill as well as a strategy. Similar to the Buttimer award recipients, the Sitting Presidents shared that introspection was the beginning point for success.
