Shortly after the charismatic leader of his institution suddenly passed away, Provost Dan Bernardo stepped into a tumultuous first month as interim president of Washington State University (WSU). WSU had just received approval to start a medical school-the university's most ambitious initiative in thirty years. Then FBI staff advised him-in person-that an unnamed eastern European country was using the campus network to spear phish federal agencies. Intense Pacific Northwest forest fires created an air quality problem that posed a public health threat, and a conservative watchdog group found online syllabi for three "Comparative Ethnic Studies" classes and contacted FOX News. The station aired a report alleging that statements in the syllabi infringed on students' free speech. The story initiated a firestorm of complaints. Transitions are inevitable in every organization. Like Bernardo, deans, vice presidents, provosts, and other executives are often thrust into positions for which they have little direct experience or preparation at the most inopportune times. Informed by interviews with more than forty former and current acting administrators, and using real-life examples, Bernardo provides a step-by-step guide for navigating various transition stages and deriving the most benefit from the experience. He addresses key administrative functions within the context of interim leadership-time, fiscal, and change management; working with a new team; and external relations. He also discusses building a functional support network and self-care. Written for those in or considering an interim leadership role, The Interim will also be a useful resource for those who influence their success-the executives who manage them and the personnel who support them.