Leader Lessons Learned: Transition Advice and a Top Ten List From a Former Chair

Abstract

After serving multiple terms as department chair at a small, liberal arts college, we have had the opportunity to develop some insights in a variety of circumstances. Through these experiences, we have formulated some advice for current and future unit leaders. We have included some general transition advice and a “top ten list” of lessons learned for leaders in their important roles and the challenging responsibilities that they face.

Keywords:

• Unit leader
• department chair
• leadership transition advice
• lessons learned

Additional information

Notes on contributors

George Ashline

George Ashline received his BS from St. Lawrence University, his MS and his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame in 1994 in value distribution theory. He has taught at Saint Michael’s College since 1995. He is a participant in Project NExT, a program created for new or recent Ph.D.s in the mathematical sciences who are interested in improving the teaching and learning of undergraduate mathematics. He is also actively involved in professional development programs in mathematics for K-12 teachers.