Those in deanships in higher education change on average every four to six years (Henk, Wepner, and Ali 2022). Given the turnover rate, one would think institutions would have a practiced hand on how to treat dean-level candidates. My experience, sadly, has not always been ideal in the 13–15 experiences I have had online, at “airport” interviews, and in person. The positive outcome, though, has been in knowing how to treat candidates. But first the horror stories.
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
