Developing Excellent Academic Leaders in Turbulent Times

Authors

  • Shelda Debrowski Senior Consultant, Higher Education Development

Keywords:

Higher education, Leadership

Abstract

The higher education sector needs good academic leaders. Unfortunately, the development and support of good leadership has been largely missing, despite its criticality in preparing institutions for these turbulent times. This commentary explores some of the challenges facing the sector with respect to academic leadership. It profiles some of the issues that are emerging with respect to building a robust sector, including addressing higher education's poor performance with respect to viable and well-considered strategy, academic management and the support of vulnerable academic members. It argues that these issues may stem from poor academic leadership and maps some of the reasons for this challenge. Suggestions as to how we might improve the higher education environment through enhanced valuing and support of good leadership are offered.

 

 

Author Biography

Shelda Debrowski, Senior Consultant, Higher Education Development

Shelda Debowski, PhD, M.Ed, B.Ed, CAHRI, FAIM, has worked with industry and university groups for over twenty years as a leadership expert, designing leadership programs, evaluating and reviewing workplace practice, facilitating strategic reviews and planning sessions, and developing customised solutions for leaders and their communities. As Professor of Higher Education Development at The University of Western Australia she guided organisational reform, oversaw leadership development for the institution and supported the learning of many leaders.  As Deputy Vice Chancellor at The University of Notre Dame Australia, she oversaw the deans and other senior leaders and introduced a number of organisational reforms to academic and organisational practices. She now works as an international consultant supporting leaders, researchers and early career academics in developing their academic leadership and strategy. 

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Published

2015-02-26

Issue

Section

Invited