Its membership consists of senior corporate executives and university leaders.

That view was shared by university leaders, past and present.

"It's disturbing to see university leaders chosen on the basis of their political strengths," he said.

While today's college and university leaders have a clear understanding of their problems and needs, they actually lack the power to effect much change.

Now he is fighting to save his presidency at a time when many university leaders have been ousted after faculty or student challenges.

Do such moves signal a change of heart among university leaders?

The debate has unusual political overtones for the fate of a university leader.

The table below shows the pay packets of top university leaders by year and institution.

"Too many university leaders have blamed everyone, except ourselves, for our failure to strongly support women's sports," she said.

Is it naive to imagine that university leaders should be leaders across and beyond campuses?