Description

Academic leadership is comprised of many different areas, building on a variety of skills and experiences.  This program series is for anyone interested in learning more about the unique aspects of leading in an academic environment. Faculty and academic staff in all appointment types are invited to attend.  Sessions focus on a range of topics, including discussions with current leaders about their work, explorations of different institutional functions and processes at MSU, and skill-building to develop your own leadership toolkit.

Spring 2025 Schedule

Navigating Non-traditional Academic Leadership Career Paths

Date: March 17, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM EST
Location: In Person – MSU Library, Room W207 or Virtual Option – Zoom

Panel:
Janet Lillie, Assistant Vice President for Community Relations, Government Relations
Sarah Gretter, Director, Apple Developer Academy and Senior Academic Specialist
Rob Roznowski, Professor, Theatre, College of Arts and Letters
As appointment types and positions evolve across higher education, pathways to leadership roles rarely follow a prescribed pattern. Often, opportunities for career advancement may emerge that do not have a clear path beyond the formal, or informal, role; however, the experience one gains has the potential to open up other prospective career directions. This session will provide insights into navigating non-traditional academic leadership roles and offer perspectives on how to maximize career opportunities.

Transforming Institutions by Leading Generously

Date: April 10, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM EST
Location: In Person – MSU Library, Room W207 or Virtual Option – Zoom
Panel:
Cori Fata-Hartley, Assistant Dean, College of Natural Sciences
Nara Parameswaran, Senior Associate Dean, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Brandy Ellison, Director, Center for Integrative Studies

Individuals who choose to serve in academic leadership roles bring a wealth of knowledge and skill but there is often a disconnect with institutional structures and expectations. Kathleen Fitzpatrick, author of Leading Generously: Tools for Transformation, will provide an overview of the premise of her new book which aims to help institutions rethink leadership practices by encouraging innovation and collaboration which in turn leads to institutional transformation. Panelists will offer additional thoughts on the ideas presented and discuss how they see them resonating in their own work.

REGISTER to attend any/all of these sessions

Resources from past sessions