Through market research, the director of the University of Tennessee at Martin’s online interdisciplinary studies program—a former business faculty member—determined there was a need for more educational opportunities in the state for students with associate degrees to complete their bachelor’s degrees in management. When asked if he’d help create such an online program to serve these students, John Overby, chair of management, marketing, and political science, replied, “Give me the resources to do this and I’ll be glad to help.”
How Leaders Shape, Signal, and Build Cultures: A Discussion Guide for Academic Leaders and Their Teams
Among the many desired traits most prized in academic leadership, the ability to shape (or reshape) institutional culture is sometimes overlooked in favor of fiscal acumen, the ability to drive
Lisa Jasinski
May 4, 2026