<p>What is the measure of “the best President?” It depends on whom you ask. Fundraising? Facilities improvement? Managerial skills? Resolving problems and disputes? Improving sports? Saving money? Warm and fuzzy personality? Hiring awesome world renowned faculty? Improving Admissions stats and scores? Improving USNWR ranking? Getting research up to Nobel Laureate levels? Does it help if the schools are already in the elite rankings or should we consider lesser known schools? </p>
<p>Lots of names could be or should be on that list. Maybe top 10 is too narrow. </p>
<p>NYU President Sexton is a Fordham University graduate, I note for those interested in such facts.</p>
<p>My bias would be towards a “transformational” kind of person, one who comes in and either cleans up a big mess or moves a lumbering giant into a leaner and meaner (rhetorically speaking…meaning more agile and avante garde) institution. I am less inclined to include those at schools that are already in the most elite ranks.</p>