ABSTRACT
The presidency’s journey begins with self-introspection regarding wanting the position. It extends to fully understanding the college or district’s political context and then finally understanding the community’s and businesses’ educational needs. It is generally folklore with a great deal of truth among veteran community college presidents that the presidency is a contact sport wherein players must desire and enjoy participating. Aspirants should know the many challenges that intersect with leading a community college. Boggs and McPhail and O’Banion describe potential issues presidents will face in the future and continuously question their abilities, leadership goals and talents. There are competing demands between and within the various stakeholders of the organization. Most important, however, the office and the president are coexisting personalities with a long historical base. Community colleges are known for their multiple missions. They exist to serve the college’s various needs and respond to the increasingly complicated environments they are situated in.
