The Quiet Force Behind Effective Leadership

The National Association for Presidential Assistants in Higher Education (NAPAHE) is “the premier professional community for individuals who support senior leaders in higher education.” At the recent NAPAHE Annual conference, nearly 500 higher education professionals from across the country gathered, representing a wide range of roles dedicated to supporting executive leadership on their campuses. Although titles varied — from executive assistant and chief of staff to assistant to the dean and other administrative leaders — the conference brought together professionals who share a common goal of supporting higher ed leadership.

“Our annual conference is designed to bring together the professionals who support higher education leaders and give them the community, resources, and professional development they deserve,” said Stuart J. Schmidt, executive director of NAPAHE. “NAPAHE exists because this work can feel isolating, and our goal is to ensure that no one doing this critical behind-the-scenes leadership feels alone. Here, our members find connection, shared expertise, and inspiration to strengthen the impact they make on their campuses every day.”

Throughout the conference, many professionals stated that they are “more comfortable working behind the scenes.” While presidents, provosts, vice presidents, and deans are often seen in visible leadership roles such as speaking at commencement, addressing a board, or sending an all-campus communication, their ability to lead effectively is strengthened by the professionals who work “behind the scenes.” Their roles entail far more than managing calendars or coordinating meetings. It is a position built on trust, strategic thinking, and an extraordinary ability to keep our complex colleges and universities moving forward.

As Andrew Carnegie, a prominent philanthropist and one of the most successful industrialists in history, said, “No man can become a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it.” A leader’s success is often due, in part, to the circle of advisors and trusted support around them. Their assistant is frequently part of this circle.

Senior higher ed leaders make thousands of decisions each year. Having someone who can anticipate needs, manage priorities, filter information (and oftentimes keep this confidential) allows leaders to focus on the decisions that matter most for their institution. As Dr. Melva K. Wallace, president and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University, said during her plenary remarks, these professionals are “the glue of the organization, the quarterback that reads the field.” They manage deadlines, protect the leaders’ time, and navigate professional relationships across campus. They help coordinate major events, prepare leaders for critical conversations, and manage multiple moving parts. Wallace continued describing the remarkable range of skills, adding a little light humor to the responsibility of these ever-important roles, saying these professionals have “Olympic-level multi-tasking, the ability to absorb chaos and last-minute requests, prepare agendas, anticipate what the leader needs before they ask for it, and even the ability to read minds.” And, of course, “can fit 14 hours of meetings into an 8-hour day.”

What makes this role so critical in higher education is the mission behind the work. Universities and colleges are not just organizations; they are institutions that support education, research, and service to their communities. Executive and administrative assistants, as well as chiefs of staff, help ensure that the leaders guiding those missions are prepared and organized and have the insight they need to succeed. One of the most unique aspects of the role is continuing to do the sometimes “unseen” work. These professionals rarely seek the spotlight but know that they’ve played a part in countless successful initiatives. Yes, the work is demanding but also rewarding.

In higher education, where collaboration and mission matter deeply, the contributions of the professionals supporting higher ed leaders cannot be overstated.

Leadership assistants may not always be the voices speaking at the podium, but they are often the steady force ensuring that everything behind the scenes runs with precision, professionalism, and care. Their work is far beyond just assisting.