Student discontent, faculty demands and the sometimes unwise behavior of boards of trustees have made the job of college president a difficult one. Because of the job's complexity, it is essential to redefine administrative functions, to base decision making on empirical findings, and to conduct institutional research and studies of governance to help determine what skills and abilities a president must possess. Though there are many different types of institutions with needs for different types of men, one basic requirement is essential - the president must enjoy the greatest mental health available to man. With all the pitfalls, there are still several good reasons why the job can be rewarding. (1) A college president can and must share in a new formulation of university decision making. There is great need for a kind of systems analysis of management for different types of institutions and for strong leadership in the area of decision making. (2) A president can help restore the learning purposes of the university and encourage a shift of emphasis from research to teaching. (3) The president can help guide the university in its important role in society. (AF)