Leadership Has Changed. Now What?
In higher education, leadership turnover is no longer the exception, it’s the norm. With the average tenure of a university president now under four years, institutions are navigating more transitions, more often, and the impact is felt far beyond the president’s office.
At Frankel, we help colleges and universities manage leadership transitions with strategy, clarity, and care. Whether you’re welcoming a new president, onboarding a new dean, or navigating interim leadership, we support the communication, alignment, and momentum needed to keep your institution moving forward.
Leadership transitions bring risk, and opportunity. Done well, they can build trust, unite stakeholders, and set the tone for a bold new chapter. Done poorly, they can create confusion, distrust, and lingering disconnects across campus and beyond.
We help institutions plan, communicate, and lead through these pivotal moments with intention and professionalism.
Transition Communication Strategy
We develop comprehensive, phased communication plans that address internal and external audiences, before, during, and after the announcement. This includes messaging frameworks, timelines, FAQs, and rollout strategies.
Stakeholder Alignment & Listening Strategy
We help new leaders build credibility early by identifying key audiences, establishing feedback loops, and shaping listening tour strategies that surface real insights and demonstrate transparency.
Institutional Narrative & Continuity
We work with leadership to refine or realign messaging around the institution’s vision, values, and strategic direction, ensuring consistency through transition and positioning the new leader for success.
Onboarding Content & Visibility Planning
From welcome videos and public remarks to internal messaging and media positioning, we support high-visibility moments and help new leaders step into the role with clarity and confidence.
Support for AVP, Dean, and Cabinet-Level Transitions
Transitions don’t just happen at the top. We help institutions communicate cabinet- and college-level leadership changes to avoid confusion and maintain momentum within schools, units, and departments.
- Incoming university presidents and chancellors
- Interim or acting leaders navigating public transitions
- Deans, provosts, and cabinet-level appointments
- Communications and advancement teams supporting onboarding
- Trustees or search committees seeking external alignment
- Higher Ed Focused: We understand the internal politics, faculty dynamics, and public expectations that make higher ed transitions uniquely complex.
- Discreet & Strategic: We’ve supported transitions behind the scenes for public and private institutions, helping leaders communicate thoughtfully, not reactively.
- Clear Process, Custom Plans: Every institution is different. We bring a proven framework that adapts to your culture, goals, and leadership style.
- Beyond the First 100 Days: We don’t just focus on announcements. We help set the tone for the long-term narrative and institutional alignment.
If your institution is navigating a leadership change, or preparing for one, Frankel can help ensure a thoughtful, confident transition.
