A fresh round of presidential appointments swept public and private colleges this season. Institutions from Hartwick College to Iowa State University announced new leaders, with several hires emphasizing enrollment stabilization, research growth and workforce alignment. The cohort includes both academic insiders promoted from provost roles and external leaders with experience in public affairs and economic development. Search committees cited succession planning, fundraising capacity and community ties as factors. Higher‑ed boards are signaling a preference for executives who can manage enrollment volatility, deepen employer partnerships and navigate politically fraught governance environments.