NDSU Names Inaugural Chairs Academy Cohort

North Dakota State University has named 20 academic leaders to the inaugural cohort of the Chairs Academy, a new yearlong professional development program for current and incoming department chairs and heads facilitated by Vice Provost Carrie Anne Platt. The program launches this September.

The Chairs Academy gives the faculty who lead NDSU's academic departments a shared foundation in academic leadership. It builds the practical skills, sound judgment, and peer support the role demands: managing people and conflict, stewarding resources, developing faculty, and shaping the culture of their units.

“Department chairs and heads carry some of the most demanding leadership responsibilities on campus, and they deserve support that matches that role,” said Provost Shari Veil. “The Chairs Academy gives our academic leaders the tools, the time, and the community to lead their departments well, and that strengthens the experience of every faculty member, staff member, and student they serve.”

The Chairs Academy grew out of the Employee Engagement Initiative and advances the faculty and staff retention goals of the Provost's Action Plan. It responds to what we have learned from our engagement data and listening sessions: academic leadership development improves both the experience of chairs and the workplace culture of their departments.

The inaugural cohort includes:

Together, the 20 chairs and heads lead departments across NDSU. The Academy gives them a shared starting point and a network to draw on long after the program ends.