The Department Chair Leadership Academy is a one-semester workshop series, offering department chairs opportunities and resources to build their leadership capacity and to enhance their understanding of the latest trends in higher education leadership and strategic priorities of Marshall University.
Who?
Members of the first cohort were selected in consultation with the Deans Council, resulting in a cohort of 16 department chairs with representation from all colleges and a mix of newer and more experienced department chairs. Although participation is not required, it is hoped that all department chairs will take advantage of this professional development in either Spring 2022 or Spring 2023.
Program Outcomes – Particpants Will
Build their leadership skills
Learn about the chair role and duties, including how that position fits within the larger structures of the institution
Focus on common challenges that chairs face while building troubleshooting strategies
Build a professional network that includes chairs from other units and personnel from across campus
Deliverables
Smaller cohorts will work together to develop solutions and produce resources. These might include:
A handbook for new (and experienced) department chairs
A recommendation for solutions to a common, persistent problem for department chairs
A wish-list of future training for department chairs and for new department chairs
Long-Term
During the summer department chairs retreat, after the conclusion of this semester, each participant will identify one leadership challenge or departmental bottleneck that they’d like to address. With guidance from a mentor, they’ll look into this issue and present their results to the Spring 2023 cohort of DCLA.