The “DEAL” Seminar: Developing Excellence in Academic Leadership

Abstract

This article describes a program of study for developing excellence in academic leadership in mathematics departments. It is organized as a seminar that features a wide selection of readings and case studies. The seminar can be pursued through self-study or with a group of interested faculty, providing opportunities for current and future leaders. Among the topics of the readings are planning department meetings, knowing one's strengths and weaknesses, guiding difficult conversations, and working with external constituents.

Keywords:

• Leadership
• diversity
• case studies

Acknowledgements

Leadership development does not occur in a vacuum. Many people have helped the author through conversations about leadership, pointers to readings and trainings, or providing new opportunities. This includes Maria Cimitile, Gayle Davis, Fred Antczak, and Diana Lawson of Grand Valley State University, and Joe Zolner of Harvard University.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Edward Aboufadel

Edward Aboufadel is currently an Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Mathematics at Grand Valley State University in western Michigan. Previous leadership experiences include seven years as department chair, multiple leadership roles on committees for national professional organizations (including the Subcommittee on Fellows for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)), roles in student government at Michigan State University, and many years as a leader at summer camp. He received his Ph. D. from Rutgers University and is a Fellow of the AAAS.