Emotional intelligence is increasingly recognized as a key factor in identifying and developing potential leaders. However, there is little empirical support for the application of EI for leadership in higher education. This study explores faculty perceptions of leader EI behavior and its impact on engagement. We used semi-structured interviews and a qualitative descriptive design to analyze the effect of EI leadership on faculty engagement. The study revealed that emotional intelligence is a crucial skill for academic leadership. Findings also indicate that relationship management, empathy, self-management, and self-awareness are critical EI abilities for academic leadership, leading to more staff engagement. We, therefore, encourage university administrators and policymakers to consider emotional intelligence as a criterion for leadership selection and placement in higher education.