From faculty to administration: preparing the next generation of academic leaders

Abstract

ABSTRACT In nearly all universities and colleges in the USA, it is not uncommon for academic administrators to come from within the faculty ranks. The new administrators usually assume the position after having served successfully as faculty members but with minimal or no formal leadership training. Seemingly a smooth process, the transition from faculty to administration comes with a set of challenges which include lack of leadership experience, loss of peer interactions and social relationships, difficulty forming new personal and professional relationships, imposter syndrome, and loss of autonomy over their schedule. The purpose of this paper is to describe practices that can assist college and university faculty who wish to transition to academic administration. The study identifies several practices, including preleadership training, support for collegial relationships, mentorship, and coaching. The review will help the faculty and institutions develop effective strategies for a smooth and successful transition of faculty to administration.