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The Chancellor’s Role in a Presidential Transition

By James R. Appleton and Stuart Dorsey

Stuart Dorsey was feeling optimistic as the preliminary interview with the University of Redlands presidential search committee came to a close. The two-hour exchange had been positive and comfortable, and had reinforced his sense that he and the university might be a good match. As Dorsey rose to leave, a trustee had one final question: How did he feel about President James Appleton staying on as chancellor?

"That was the only question that I wasn't prepared for," recalls Dorsey, now in his fourth year as president at Redlands. "It was the first mention of a chancellor, and I’m sure my response was pretty lame." . . .

Excerpted from the winter 2009 issue of The Presidency. To subscribe to the magazine, please call (301) 632-6757, or order online through ACE's bookstore.