In this series, I share some of the most useful questions I asked—or wish I had asked—when I became department head. If the things I describe seem obvious, here’s the reason to read on. You want to shift your attitude and actions to be mindful and develop potential. Attitude and actions go hand in hand and must be with you daily. You can think of this as a “1 percent better” approach. The questions here may not radically change your outcomes, but they will help you make incremental changes that add up over time. Let’s start by focusing on faculty.
Reciprocity over Hierarchy: Designing and Implementing a Student-Led Reverse Mentoring Program
Many academic leaders, including administrators and faculty members, participate in traditional mentoring programs that prioritize hierarchy. But these programs typically don’t foster engagement and connection between students and faculty or
Marquita Lyons-Smith and Keva Suitte
October 19, 2026
