Leading in a higher education setting is a complex undertaking, largely because the enterprise is like no other sector of our society. It is uniquely structured with a distinctive organizational culture. Colleges and universities are inward oriented, slow to anticipate and make changes, and often unable to address unfolding pressures efficiently, effectively, and comprehensively. In fact, higher education celebrates tradition even though external forces necessitate quick action and reinvention. Restructuring the curriculum and adjusting policies and procedures sometimes requires multiyear time commitments. Practices steeped in conventional processes produce a highly hierarchical environment that few outside the academy can fully understand.
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
