In Part I of this article I offered aspiring leaders in higher education three pointers about how not to approach leadership. In this installment I focus on what leaders should do, providing four suggestions for novice leaders who want to have a positive impact on their institutions. I hope you find these lessons encouraging and engaging as you seek to excel in your leadership positions.
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
