Congratulations! You've Been Promoted. Now what?

Inside Higher Ed, April 16, 2024

As an internally promoted senior team member, don’t ignore the benefits of newness that an appointee from the outside would have, write Laurie Fenlason and Jenn Desjarlais.

Getting the President-Board Relationship Right

Inside Higher Ed, November 17, 2023

Cultivating a strong relationship with the board is one of a president’s most important tasks, write Julie A. Peterson and Laurie Fenlason, who offer 10 best practices.

Why Board Engagement Matters

PRG Blog, November 17, 2023

Board engagement doesn’t happen by accident, Laurie Fenlason and Julie A. Peterson observe, and boards that recognize the strategic value of engagement never take it for granted. They steward a positive, engaged board culture as assiduously as they examine a balance sheet or strategic plan.

Getting Staff Relations Right

Inside Higher Ed, August 29, 2023

Given high-profile labor actions and the continuing wave of retirements across higher ed, among other issues, the stakes have rarely been higher for getting this relationship right, writes Laurie Fenlason.

Communicating Effectively in a Presidential Search

Inside Higher Ed, March 21, 2023

Communicating around a presidential search is something for which organizations are often underprepared, Laurie Fenlason observes. Board leaders, search chairs, chief communications officers and presidents-elect can all benefit from understanding the communications considerations of this high-stakes process. 

How Not to Spend Your Time in a Reputational Crisis

Inside Higher Ed, December 15, 2022

Campus reputational crises are occurring with increasing frequency, and usually arrive when leaders’ plates are already full. In the spirit of preparation, Laurie Fenlason presents five things communications leaders and colleagues don’t want to be spending time on in the heat of the moment.

Pick a Pace: How Leaders Can Set a Sustainable Cadence for Their Team

Inside Higher Ed, August 23, 2022

Emergency response is not the only operating mode, Laurie Fenlason advises, and a constant overload pace is unsustainable. Campuses that commit to accomplishing important, transformational work without declaring “emergency” most days will thrive.

How New Presidents Can Build Strong Leadership Teams

Inside Higher Ed, June 23, 2022

Comparatively little attention has been paid to one of the most vital efforts of a new president: creating and sustaining a high-performing senior leadership team, Laurie Fenlason writes.