The Hills on Which We (Used to) Die
Preview:
“On what hill are you willing to die?”
This question regarding the higher principles and values on which one is willing to stake one’s career, and sometimes even one’s life, has long been a way to winnow leaders. Indeed, I was asked versions of the question during my 40-plus-year career in higher education, and, when I served as chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, the Board of Governors and I used it as a key filter for hiring presidents. (Interestingly, more than half of the presidential finalists did not have an answer.)
Originally published: June 13, 2023
Author: John C. Cavanaugh
Position: Former President
Institution: University of West Florida
Published by: Inside Higher Ed