Geoscientists are disproportionately represented in higher education leadership positions relative to their total proportion among faculty. Understanding the specific academic background of geoscientists helps explain this administrative prevalence. Relative to other natural science disciplines, geoscience curricula require coursework across multiple foundational fields, including physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Furthermore, the discipline inherently connects physical Earth processes to societal impacts, such as natural hazard mitigation and resource distribution. Consequently, geoscientists develop broad cross-discipline literacy and systems-thinking capabilities, an appreciation for the work and research being conducted by faculty outside of geoscience. When coupled with analytical minds that can work with budgets, this holistic training prepares geoscientists to effectively address complex institutional challenges and serve as highly qualified college and university administrators.