Winter 2026 Issue

How College Presidents Succeed

By Claire De Lisle M.B.A. ’21

University presidents are under increased scrutiny, with the average president serving fewer than six years. Yet three generations of the Reveley family — Hampden-Sydney College President-Emeritus W. Taylor Reveley II, William & Mary President-Emeritus W. Taylor Reveley III HON ’18, LL.D. ’18 and Longwood University President W. Taylor Reveley IV — successfully led major Virginia colleges and universities for decades, a legacy unmatched in higher education.

A new book from Michael Nelson ’71, “How College Presidents Succeed: Lessons in Leadership from Three Generations of Reveleys,” draws on the experiences of these three leaders to reveal best practices in leadership across industries.

During Charter Day Weekend, on Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. in the Glenn Close Theater in Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall, join W&M President Katherine A. Rowe, W&M Chancellor Robert M. Gates ’65, L.H.D. ’98, W. Taylor Reveley III and W. Taylor Reveley IV for a lively discussion on leadership in complex times.