Leadership for Academic Units: A Performance Improvement Model for Department Chairs, Deans, and Academic Vice Presidents (and those who aspire to be)

Results Achieved

During the academic year, the task forces executed their charter in a remarkable fashion. The new organizational structure called for merging department administration responsibility with task force leadership responsibility. This prevented clashes between the project managers and functional management and ensured that there would be steady leadership because experienced leaders, the department chairs, would be assigned to the task forces. The faculty members on the task forces enjoyed the opportunity to work with colleagues from other departments, many of whom they had not previously met. This mutual collaboration on projects of overall college importance resulted in a much improved climate and spirit of cooperation within the ...