摘要：Half of the sitting university presidents in the United States are over the age of 60 (American Council of Education, 2012a). Thus, they are nearing the age of retirement. This poses a problem and makes the preparation of leaders to replace them of particular importance. Higher education administration programs have been an academic preparation ground for those aspiring to higher education leadership. In prior years, it was most common that higher education program graduates were offered lower- and middle-level management positions in colleges and universities. Similarly some of these graduates developed careers in government agencies dealing with higher education issues such as, think tanks and other related employment. In recent years, however, higher education graduates have earned upper management positions including presidencies more frequently upon graduation (Altbach & Enberg, 2001, p. 15). The purpose of this paper is to review the role and value of higher education leadership preparation programs and provide recommendations for policy and practice that will enhance their effectiveness.
