Kim Cotzias 
For many faculty, stepping into a department chair role can feel like a detour—an administrative obligation that pulls time and energy away from research, teaching, and personal goals. But the chair position doesn’t have to be a pause in your career. When approached with intention, it can be a strategic opportunity for growth, visibility, and … Read more
On many campuses, mentoring is widely valued but loosely defined. It’s often left to individual departments or informal pairings, without much structure or accountability. While many institutions recognize the importance of faculty mentoring, building a coordinated, sustainable approach that works across all career stages remains a challenge. At Emory University, efforts to strengthen mentoring began … Read more
For new and experienced department chairs alike, leadership can feel isolating. You’re expected to manage conflict, mentor faculty, make strategic decisions, and balance countless priorities—often without any formal preparation. That’s exactly why we launched the Department Chair Success Program (CSP). After welcoming our inaugural cohort, one thing became clear: when chairs are supported, everything changes. … Read more
It’s not uncommon for mid-career professors to feel conflicted about going for a promotion to full professor. Once tenure is earned, it’s easy to fall into a routine and say yes to everything you are asked to do, like engaging in too many service activities that could get in the way of the activities that … Read more
One of the most pervasive problems with academic writers is perfectionism. It’s ubiquitous and manifests in so many unfortunate ways. There is a unique flavor to academic perfectionism, and it is exacerbated by the culture of colleges and universities (particularly for tenure-track faculty members). Many perfectionists are painfully aware of their problem but many of … Read more
Author: Dr. Cleopatra Abdou Kamperveen In the realm of academia, the intersection of parenthood and professional ambitions presents a complex challenge. This article offers a comprehensive guide not only to academic parents navigating this delicate equilibrium but also to academic leaders shaping policies that foster an environment of support and success for academic parents. Striking … Read more
In your role as faculty member, your students look to you as a trusted source of guidance and support on their academic journeys. All too often though, many students are looking for more than just academic guidance. They are unloading their secrets, concerns, and problems, and are looking for you to solve any number of … Read more
The thrill of being hired for a tenure-track job is often quickly replaced by feeling all alone in a new town, far from your loved ones. New faculty often feel so thankful to have landed a tenure-track job that it’s hard to also talk honestly about the fact that there are real challenges to settling … Read more