Faculty Affairs Leadership Podcast

Stepping into the role of department chair can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this episode, we dive into the essential insights that every chair needs to thrive with our guest, Mytheli Sreenvias, PhD, and chair of the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. We explore the core responsibilities and challenges that come with the position, strategies for balancing leadership with academic and research commitments, and practical approaches to building a strong departmental culture. You’ll also hear guidance on conflict resolution, managing difficult situations, and advice tailored for new chairs stepping into the role.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just beginning your journey, this conversation offers practical wisdom and actionable takeaways to help you lead with confidence and clarity.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Corrie Davis, senior associate provost for faculty affairs and professor at Georgia State University, to explore their institution’s experience with the COACHE Faculty Satisfaction Survey. We discuss their goals for administering the survey, strategies for encouraging faculty participation, and how they approached analyzing and sharing the results with stakeholders. Listeners will also hear about the concrete actions their institution implemented to improve faculty satisfaction and engagement, and offers actionable insights for enhancing faculty experience and engagement.

In this episode of the Faculty Affairs Leadership Podcast, we talk with Dr. Bill Macdonald, former Dean and Director of the Newark Campus, about the unique challenges and opportunities of leading a regional campus. From supporting faculty across multiple programs to balancing local priorities with university-wide initiatives, Dr. MacDonald shares practical strategies, lessons learned, and success stories from his time in leadership. This episode is ideal for current or aspiring regional campus leaders who want to foster collaboration, enhance student experiences, and create a thriving campus community.

In this episode, Tim Davey, PhD., executive coach and vice provost for faculty recruitment at Virginia Commonwealth University, explains what career coaching is and how it differs from other professional development or mentorship. The conversation highlights the benefits of career coaching for individuals at various career stages, including navigating transitions and overcoming challenges. Listeners learn how to begin their coaching journey, what credentials to seek, and how to choose the right coach. The episode concludes with tailored advice for both emerging and seasoned academic leaders, offering practical guidance to unlock professional potential and advance leadership growth.

In this episode, we explore the concept of intercultural citizenship and why it offers a more meaningful framework than “global citizenship” in higher education. Sandhya Shanker, Education Program Senior Specialist at the Center for Languages, Literacies, and Cultures, defines the term and explains its importance for students, faculty, and institutional leaders. We discuss practical ways leaders can foster intercultural citizenship, common challenges to avoid, and a vision for the future when this approach is fully embraced on campuses. 

In this episode, we speak with Kent Barnett, the dean of the Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University about navigating difficult conversations in higher education leadership. He reflects on his career journey, offers advice for aspiring leaders, and shares effective strategies for preparing for and engaging in challenging discussions. Faculty will gain practical tools for fostering respectful and productive dialogue, addressing sensitive topics with confidence and empathy, and strengthening communication skills that enhance collaboration, build trust, and resolve conflicts—valuable insights for thriving as both a leader and colleague in academia.

In this episode, we dive into the essential factors that influence faculty retention in higher education. Our guest, R. Todd Benson, Ed.D., executive director of The Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) at Harvard University, shares expert insights on how institutional leaders can foster a supportive and engaging work environment, and why professional development initiatives play a critical role in keeping faculty members satisfied and committed. We explore successful retention strategies, discuss the challenges that lead to faculty turnover, and provide actionable advice for leaders looking to build a thriving academic community. Tune in for valuable tips on improving faculty retention and strengthening your institution’s future.

In this insightful podcast, we dive deep into the journey of becoming a leader in academia, featuring the Dean of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University, Dr. Ayanna Howard. Through a series of candid questions, the dean shares valuable lessons learned throughout their career, reflecting on the most rewarding aspects of leadership and offering advice for those stepping into academic leadership roles. Topics include strategies for fostering collaboration among diverse faculty, creating a culture of innovation, and preparing for administrative responsibilities. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a current academic looking for guidance, this conversation provides essential wisdom for navigating the challenges of leadership in higher education.

In this insightful podcast, we dive deep into the journey of becoming a leader in academia, featuring the Dean of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University, Dr. Ayanna Howard. Through a series of candid questions, the dean shares valuable lessons learned throughout their career, reflecting on the most rewarding aspects of leadership and offering advice for those stepping into academic leadership roles. Topics include strategies for fostering collaboration among diverse faculty, creating a culture of innovation, and preparing for administrative responsibilities. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a current academic looking for guidance, this conversation provides essential wisdom for navigating the challenges of leadership in higher education.

In this episode of the Faculty Affairs Leadership Podcast, we are excited to welcome Interim Chief Information Officer (CIO), Ginger Breon, to discuss the pivotal role of technology in modern education. Our guest shares insights on integrating technology in teaching, ensuring robust cybersecurity in academia, and exploring future tech trends that will shape the educational landscape. Join us for an enlightening conversation that delves into the challenges and opportunities of leading technological innovation in higher education.