Description
Book SynopsisThe position of presidential assistant is relatively new in the world of higher education and can still be a very hard-to-define occupation. In Other Duties as Assigned, veteran presidential assistants from all types of institutions describe the varied duties and responsibilities that they hold. The chapters span analyses of career paths, of gender, and of personal characteristics, as well as practical issues such as writing speeches, handling complaints, serving as the board secretary, and raising funds. The contributors have based their writing both on their experiences and on data from a national survey of the profession. This book is a seminal body of work that gives a comprehensive understanding of the many dimensions of presidential assistants, as well as providing practical advice about several key features of the role. As such, Other Duties as Assigned serves as a reference to existing presidential assistants as well as a guide to presidents contemplating the creation of such a position.
Trade ReviewThis collection of observations on presidential assistants in higher education is long overdue. It will serve as an excellent orientation for those who are new to the role and as an affirmation of the valuable contribution of seasoned professionals. -- Pamela Transue
For some years now, those interested in the presidential assistant's role have been starved for good information on how to be effective in that role. This collected set of papers fills this gap in the literature. As a former presidential assistant and now president, I believe this book provides important insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with this key but little understood role in higher education. -- Joseph Tim Gilmour, president, Wilkes University
There is no one a university president talks to more regularly or depends on more consistently than his or her closest assistant. This book, drawing on the experiences and insights of people who have filled this role, demonstrates its complexity and its importance. An effective chief assistant to a president can anticipate, intercept, and solve problems before they reach a critical stage. He or she can help a president balance priorities and manage time, greatly increasing the likelihood of presidential success. Reading this book can help both presidents and their chief assistants define the terms of an effective relationship. -- Robert Berdahl, president, Association of American Universities
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Foreword Chapter 2 From Whence They Came: Career Paths to the Presidential Assistant Position Chapter 3 The Role of Gender in the Profession of Presidential Assistant Chapter 4 Qualities of a Presidential Assistant Chapter 5 Managing the President's Office Chapter 6 Managing the Life of the President Chapter 7 Presidential Assistants and Institutional Advancement Chapter 8 Executive Speechwriting and Other Communications Chapter 9 Once Upon a Motion: A Board Secretary's Tale Chapter 10 The Nasty Stuff in a PAs Life: Handling Complaints Chapter 11 Presidential Assistants as Senior Administrators Chapter 12 A Career as a Presidential Assistant Chapter 13 What Do Presidential Assistants Do Next? Chapter 14 Juggling Jell-o: Other Duties as Assigned Chapter 15 Conclusion and Afterword
