Bridging the Leadership Gap to Build Competence, Confidence & Community

Panel: Judy Oskam (Texas State University), Angela Ausbrooks (Texas State University) and Candace Hastings (Texas State University)

Abstract

Through an interdisciplinary lens, three university administrators will present their blueprint for elevating faculty learning during a time of transformation. We used a collaborative, reflexive research design to bridge the leadership divide, empower faculty leaders and build community. Seeing a need to prepare department chairs and school directors for their new administrative role, the Office of Faculty Development created an online monthly leadership program. The School of Social Work established a Leadership Academy to prepare program coordinators for career advancement. The School of Journalism and Mass Communication integrated strengths programming for sequence leaders, faculty and students. Panelists will discuss how they fostered connections and confidence during COVID and the unexpected digital divide. Researchers will share feedback about practices and processes from faculty participants from all three programs.