Developing Deans: Transforming Academic Leadership

Higher education leaders play pivotal roles in shaping its future, and this collection of essays provides practical guidance for intentionally and deliberately developing leadership capacity among deans and department chairs. The timely volume speaks to the need for responsible, collaborative, innovative, and empathetic leadership in the context of increasingly dynamic socio-political and cultural landscapes.

Dr. Shaily Menon

College of Arts & Sciences

University of New Haven

“Developing Deans: Transforming Academic Leadership” focuses on the intentional and deliberate development of academic leaders within higher education institutions. Under the excellent direction of L. Lynn Vidler, this volume brings together the perspectives of seasoned administrators whose essays go beyond merely explaining how to be a dean and instead advocate for proactive leadership development programs that cultivate specific skills, foster inclusive and collaborative cultures, and address systemic barriers. This collection makes a strong argument for supporting deans as they wrestle with the ever-increasing challenges facing higher education.

Sharon Diane Nell

Dean, School of Arts and Humanities

St. Edward’s University

“Developing Deans” is both timely and essential to the development of future decanal leadership. Having served as president of the Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences, I have had the privilege of working closely with many of the contributors to this volume. Their collective expertise, insight, and commitment to higher education are evident throughout. Each essay not only illuminates the pathways to effective deanship but also offers practical strategies grounded in lived experience. It is an invaluable resource for developing the next generation of academic leaders.

Dr. Leslie Cornick

Provost, Vice President for Academic Affairs

California State University, Chico

Deans spend most of their day navigating the various demands of a wide range of stakeholders and often can feel alone in trying to make progress on today’s difficult challenges. "Developing Deans: Transforming Academic Leadership” is a wonderful addition to the body of literature that can help any dean navigate the difficult waters of academic leadership. We are fortunate to have the excellent thinking and guidance of well-respected educational thought leaders providing their ideas in nurturing faculty, supporting students, and developing leadership across the institutions.

Dr. Aleks Sternfeld-Dunn

Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire