If you are a leader in higher education, you can attest that academia can be a little cluttered. The challenges to improving teaching and learning are many as administrators continue to evolve into their roles as institutional leaders. Whether you are a novice or experienced leader, there is always room for improvement and an opportunity for growth. Leadership is a journey, and being an effective leader requires having the proper tools—the right abilities, skills, knowledge, and personal traits—to address the challenges you will face daily. The toolbox is a valuable metaphor for leaders in specific situations. For effective educational leadership, your toolbox will need to contain the following eight items.
Character (Still) Counts: Moral Injury and the Case for Character Education
Many academic leaders remember the Character Counts! initiative from the 1990s and early 2000s. It was visible in schools and youth programs nationwide, emphasizing as core values the Six Pillars
Teresa Maggard Stephens
June 15, 2026
