At some point during their teaching and research careers, many academics will decide to seek their first administrative post. As tenure-track positions diminish and because salaries for administration in general are higher than those for academics, the choice has attractive incentives. It offers greater long-term financial benefits. It affords more opportunities for relocation to new positions. It is easier to create a two career path for married academics than when both are dedicated to teaching or research. And it creates an opportunity to fulfill one’s ambitions to have a larger impact on higher education and a specific academic institution than teaching or research.
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
