Leading in a Time of Change: Assuming Interim Academic Administrator Positions

Abstract

This article is about interim leadership in academic settings, specifically at the level of dean of an educational program in nursing. The interim administrator is often an invisible actor in the history of a school or department. However, they are key players in maintaining stability, facilitating change, and providing a transitional pathway for the new, permanent leader. An essential theme is that interim administrators do real work that has consequences, and make real contributions to institutional history and continuity. This article provides guidance to those considering or serving in interim positions. Guidelines are suggested for the stages of evaluating and serving in interim positions: assessing the request to serve, making a decision about accepting an interim position, negotiating an interim position, and acting out the interim position, using the analogy of a theatrical play and guideposts for actors.