How does one become president of a university?

Answer 1

There are some exceptions, but usually one starts out as a faculty member, and once one moves up to full professor, you then become an Associate Dean, then a Dean, then a Provost or Academic Vice President, and finally President. The exceptions may be at smaller schools where they are looking for someone with more managerial than academic skills, and they hire someone like a CEO out of industry.

Answer 2

It differs depending on the person. The last president of Harvard was an Economics professor then became Secretary of the Treasury. The president of Columbia University in the late 1940s had been General of the Allied Armies during WWII. He stepped down to run for President in 1952.

Woodrow Wilson was once president of Princeton. He had practiced Law and got a PhD in Political Science before getting a professorship at Princeton. He was promoted to President from within. He later became Governor of NJ and President of the US.

In order to become a President of a university you have to exhibit skills as an academic, as a fund raiser and as a manager. Raising funds may be the most important trait.

Answer 3

By kissing butt and bringing home the $$$.