The University of Michigan’s incoming president could receive compensation packages that approach $3 million a year, according to contract details that include base pay, performance awards and deferred‑pay provisions. The reported package places public‑university presidential pay in the spotlight as boards seek competitive leaders amid high institutional complexity. At a different end of the spectrum, Morris Brown College’s board abruptly removed its president with no cause disclosed just weeks before an accreditation reaffirmation review. The unexpected leadership change follows years of recovery efforts and illustrates governance fragility at smaller, resource‑constrained institutions. Boards and trustees must weigh executive compensation packages against accountability metrics and public scrutiny, while also preparing succession and crisis‑management plans to ensure institutional continuity when leadership transitions are sudden.