Obtaining Resources for Your Kinesiology Department

Abstract

ABSTRACTHigher education governance today is a complex endeavor that demands dynamic, creative, and thoughtful communication, actions, and leadership. Given the continually diminishing level of state funding for higher education, leaders at all levels should be equipped to generate and lobby for funds internally (within their university) and externally (with external donors and stakeholders). The purpose of this article is to outline some principles of effective internal and external resource generation (e.g., submitting requests with data, developing short speeches or written documents about your primary initiatives, thinking like an entrepreneur, and utilizing committee expertise). Focusing on fundraising can augment departmental resources to help its programs, people, and initiatives. The article is divided into three important sections: (a) the changing landscape of American higher education and how this “brave new world” has led to the need to generate additional funding, (b) strategies for generating internal resources (i.e., within your university), and (c) strategies for generating external resources (i.e., fundraising). Expanding your knowledge base about ways to increase revenue for your unit is one leadership skill that will serve you well throughout your administrative career—regardless of your level of leadership.