How to Become a College President

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation · Jul 16, 2026 · 58m

Host Dina Birmingham makes her debut as a podcast host with a special episode featuring a guest who has played an important role in her own life: her older brother, Roger J. Thompson, the 31st President of Saint Mary's College of California. Together, they explore educational leadership, student support, and the many resources available to help students succeed on campus.

In the first segment, Dina continues our "How to Become" series with a conversation about how to become a college president. Roger reflects on his journey from high school and college through a career in higher education…