New and Aspiring Academic Leaders Workshop

Effective leadership in college and universities is critical to meeting the needs of students and faculty (Birnbaum, 1992; Rowley & Sherman, 2003). University leaders are often chosen and promoted based on their success in research rather than their managerial experience or knowledge (Yielder & Codling, 2004). As universities have become much more business-oriented,, administrative skills and leadership approaches are often learned on the job (Gayle, Tewarie, & White, 2003). There is also surprisingly little research on university leadership. Faculty whose knowledge base is steeped in higher education have the potential and specialized knowledge base to effectively lead programs, research centers, departments, colleges, and universities. However, many faculty, even those possessing specialized knowledge about higher education, often have little administrative experience and lack knowledge about specific administrative functions and leadership approaches. This may be particularly true for women and people of color who are severely underrepresented in academic leadership positions (Yen, Quinn, Carrigan, Litzler, & Riskin, 2007). Academic leadership positions are often quite challenging, particularly those positions, such as department chair, which serve as gateway positions to further leadership positions, while at the same time continuing faculty expectations of research and teaching (Gmelch & Burns, 1993).

The academic leaders workshop will address these challenges by engaging those who aspire to move, are moving into, or have moved into leadership positions, including program chairs, center directors, department chairs, dean’s office positions, or higher level positions in discussions around leadership, management, continuing a scholarly agenda, balancing work and family life, conflict resolution, and working with difficult people.

Learning/Program Outcomes

The ASHE Academic Leaders Workshop will

1. Provide attendees the tools and resources to decide if they wish to pursue leadership positions in higher education (i.e., chair, center director, associate dean, dean, etc.)

2. Assist those who have recently moved into leadership positions about how to manage those roles effectively

3. Provide advice, discussion and time for reflection on topics including continuing a scholarly agenda, managing work and family, conflict resolution, and leadership and management for those who aspire to hold or have recently moved into academic leadership positions

Who should attend

This virtual workshop is intended for those who are considering moving or have recently moved into leadership positions at the academic program, department, college, or university level, and those who are aspiring to these roles in the next few years.