Princeton's president, Shirley Tilghman, stepping down

[Alumother]

I will be sorry to see her go. She's been somewhat controversial, but I liked her influence. Is 11 years unusually short for a college president? Or is that usual?

[sbjdorlo]

Alumother,

I'm curious as to how she's been somewhat controversial.

[Alumother]

Ah. The kids didn't and some older alumni were suspicious of the degree to which she supported a) women in her administration b) the lessening of the eating club influence c) grade deflation.

But I think she's been a stellar leader, all in all. And the recent Aspire fund-raising campaign exceeded all expectations, leaving the university in a wonderful financial position.

[4thfloor]

Oh boy, both Princeton and Yale in simultaneous presidential searches.

And Princeton just sent a president to Brown recently (and to Penn not too long ago).

[Alumother]

Stanford's administration better start a retention program. Oh, wait, maybe that's called Northern California Weather.

Sheer speculation to follow. Any chance Shirley might want to move to Yale? Would Yale want someone who'd headed up a competitor like that?

[siliconvalleymom]

Her stance on Greek life alienated many, as well.

[4thfloor]

Alumother, this may be pure coincidence, but most of Yale's recent presidents have had either a Yale degree or a Harvard degree, and the rumored front runner, Peter Salovey, has a Yale degree, while Shirley doesn't have either.

On the other hand, having a scientist or engineer head Yale would be a good thing for Yale.

Not sure what Princeton should be looking for in the next president.

[4thfloor]

Oh, and also Dartmouth looking for a president -- that's three out of eight.

[dadx]

Sheer speculation to follow. Any chance Shirley might want to move to Yale? Would Yale want someone who'd headed up a competitor like that?

Unlikely to want that job, and more than unlikely to be considered for it.

Not sure what Princeton should be looking for in the next president.

Some alums might like someone who was a Princeton graduate. Except for his age, Alan Brinkley of Columbia would be a pretty good candidate. It seems as though most candidates are likely to be mid-to-late 40's to early 50's. Not sure why.

[Consolation]

She would certainly make an interesting choice for Dartmouth!

[collegealum314]

9 years is the typical amount of time for a university presidency.

I don't know her exact age, but I would guess Tilghman is getting up there and would not want to take on another job that intensive.

As for Dartmouth, if people at Princeton had trouble with her antagonism of eating clubs, it is unlikely that the pro-Greek Old Guard at Dartmouth would want her.

On the other hand, having a scientist or engineer head Yale would be a good thing for Yale.

It could be good for Harvard too. I'm pretty sure it's never happened before. Not that their science department needs improving, but a scientist might have a different philosophy on things.

[Alumother]

I guess I was thinking that after Princeton, if she took another job, it'd be Harvard, Yale or Stanford, for the grad school impact. But I suppose taking on a smaller place might be fun. As I read her email to the community, she's going to stay at Princeton and teach and be a scientist.