Leadership searches remain a defining area of activity: the University of Montana’s presidential search has drawn unusually high interest and a crowded applicant field, signaling continued market competition for experienced provosts and presidents. At the University of Georgia, interim dean Santanu Chatterjee was named permanent dean of the Terry College of Business after a national search, marking a continuity hire amid strategic focus on AI and graduate programs. Institutions emphasize leadership who can balance enrollment strategy, AI literacy, fundraising, and faculty governance as priorities in the current market. Why it matters: successful leadership transitions are central to navigating financial stress, technology adoption, and reputational recovery—boards are prioritizing candidates with operational rigor and experience in academic workforce redesign.