This paper describes a Networked Improvement Community comprised of a network of 13 states focused on improving coherence and equity in state systems of science education. Grounded in principles of improvement science adapted from healthcare, we are developing and testing resources for formative assessment in science, with the aim of developing…

Colleges and universities looking to recruit leaders from within the faculty ranks will face more and more difficulty. From their respective positions--as a provost (Janel) and a search consultant (Dennis)--they often hear senior executives in higher education say that building a new generation of faculty leaders will be a major challenge in the…

Promoting academic departmental productivity requires vision, passion, and sensitivity while coping with the rapid pace of change. This paper presents 10 proven strategies for managing some common challenges faced by academic department chairs: (1) building a sense of family purpose; (2) establishing mechanisms to assure accountability; (3)…

Changes in the status of the British "chair" or professorship in the twentieth century are examined, with focus on the types of changes, the reasons for them, and the administrative, educational, and intellectual results. (MSE)

Describes the problems inherent in finding competent leadership for today's college English departments. Outlines the basic kinds of traits and characteristics that would mark both ideal leaders and followers in the academy. Discusses the different kinds of leaders. (HB)

Argues that community college organization at the department level presents challenging leadership issues for the newly appointed department chair. Asserts that existing culture, which looks upon the chair with some mistrust, demands chairs who behave as peers rather than military commanders. Concludes that democratic leadership is the most…

Discusses the role of the English department head in a time of educational crisis. Examines the possibility that graduate study in English is losing its moral base. Considers the role of leadership and oppositional politics in the context of the crisis in graduate study. (HB)

Describes how the task of leading an English department has changed over the past 25 years. Considers the delicate yet essential task of the department head to provide leadership and vision for an entire department. Relates the general problems of English departments and specific problems in graduate education with diversity and difference gone…

Department chairs must facilitate positive relationships, increase faculty productivity, and empower faculty. Through training and evaluation, nursing leaders can improve support for this pivotal position. (SK)

Four prerequisites for college and university departmental change and renewal have been suggested: dedication to teamwork; collective dialog and inquiry about effective teaching; commitment to quality control and rewarding collective goals; and leadership of a purposeful chair. These are discussed in relation to conditions mitigating against…

Critically examines the concept of leadership as understood in the cultural matrix of individualism. Suggests that leadership is a function of group context, a function of collective life. Applies findings to academic life. (TB)

Department chairpersons should guide their departments to meet contemporary challenges by focusing on fostering student learning more effectively, stimulating faculty development, and engaging in curriculum development that responds to new academic syntheses and multidisciplinary approaches. (JB)

Discusses how a communications department can thrive and what allows for it to be reduced and threatened with extinction. Provides specific advice for survival: (1) avoid isolation; (2) pursue political positioning; (3) seek support and strong leadership; (4) capitalize on contributions of adjunct faculty; and (5) develop departmental…

Discusses aspects of leadership theory and concludes that the effective chairperson not only responds to current leadership demands of the situation but also develops a positive history of support and relationships in the organizational group. (PD)

The potential for creativity in the role of department chair is present, but, for too many chairs, creativity is an oxymoron and something to be preserved only in the ranks of the faculty. It would seem fitting to talk about the need for leadership and creativity in the educational setting. However, creativity seems to be overlooked in the…