HHD Story Archives

The Presidents Leadership Group was formed by the Higher Education Center in 1997 with support from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to bring national attention to alcohol and other drug prevention on college

and university campuses. That year, the then six-member group published a report and a video urging college presidents to become more active leaders in substance abuse prevention.

The Presidents Leadership Group is now comprised of 31 college presidents and chancellors representing 22 states.

"As college presidents, we gain nothing by denying that some students come to us with complex personal and behavioral problems," said Karen Hitchcock, president of the University at Albany, State University of New York.

"We fail if we do not make it a priority to create a campus and community environment that discourages substance use and supports the quality academic programs to which we are committed."

William DeJong, who directs the Higher Education Center at EDC, said that getting support from those at the highest echelons is key to preventing and reducing substance use on campuses. "Presidential leadership is a critical component of successful prevention efforts and of effective partnerships between the institutions and their surrounding communities," he said. "We are looking forward to seeing these presidents serve as change agents in their campus communities, and as models for other presidents who are looking to take action."

The expanded leadership group will build upon the activities of the original group, with members serving as prevention spokespersons, change agents, and mentors for other presidents. Members will also serve to further statewide and regional alcohol and other drug prevention efforts by adopting leadership roles in existing initiatives or taking the lead to develop statewide efforts where none currently exist.

The 26 new members were chosen for their proven leadership skills in substance abuse prevention, as well as for their plans for future efforts in alcohol and other drug prevention. The selection process required applicants to submit personal statements, letters of support from people within their institution and surrounding community, and biennial review reports—a federal reporting requirement under the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations.

To obtain a copy of the video Be Vocal, Be Visible, Be Visionary, which demonstrates how college officials can take a leadership role in preventing alcohol and other drug problems, visit www.edc.org/hec/plg/video.html. Or contact Helen Stubbs at hstubbs@edc.org.