Department Chair Success Program
The Department Chair Success Program (CSP) is an immersive 12-week program designed to support department chairs who have been in their role for 2 years or less, equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate the challenges of the job.
Essential Leadership Training for Department Chairs
Most department chairs step into leadership with little preparation. The demands of managing faculty, overseeing budgets, and balancing institutional expectations often pull chairs away from their research and well-being. Without structured support, new chairs frequently struggle with burnout, misaligned priorities, and unclear expectations.
The Department Chair Success Program (CSP) is a 12-week program designed to equip new chairs with the skills, strategies, and support they need to lead their departments effectively while maintaining their own academic success. Through a structured, cohort-based experience, chairs gain practical leadership training, a strong peer network, and expert guidance from seasoned faculty leaders. Participants leave the program feeling more confident, better prepared to advocate for faculty, and equipped to navigate the complexities of department leadership.
Why Department Chairs Need More Than Trial-and-Error Leadership
85%
of department chairs receive no leadership training before taking on the role.
56%
say their chair responsibilities are a barrier to their own research productivity.
Chairs set the tone for faculty morale, retention, and department culture—yet most lack structured support.
The Department Chair Success Program ensures chairs don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. With expert coaching and a supportive network, chairs can lead more effectively, advocate for faculty needs, and maintain their own professional growth.
Results from Our Inaugural Cohort: Early feedback shows strong impact
What’s Included in the Department Chair Success Program
This hands-on approach ensures department chairs walk away with practical strategies they can implement immediately and includes:
Experienced Chair Coaches
Learn from faculty leaders who understand the unique challenges of department leadership.
Small Cohort Learning
Engage in peer-based learning with other department chairs facing similar challenges.
Strategic Planning Frameworks
Gain tools to set priorities, manage budgets, and align departmental goals with institutional expectations.
Time & Energy Management
Learn sustainable practices to balance chair responsibilities with research and personal well-being.
Navigating Faculty Dynamics
Develop skills to handle conflict, foster collaboration, and create an inclusive department culture.
Live Group Coaching & Discussion
Interactive sessions designed to address real-time challenges and provide actionable solutions.
From Faculty to Chair: Support for the Transition
Department chairs are often appointed without training, yet expected to manage people, budgets, conflict, and strategic priorities from day one. The Department Chair Success Program (CSP) was designed to close that gap, offering practical tools, mentorship, and community support that help academic leaders succeed in one of higher ed’s most demanding roles.
- Build Critical Leadership Skills: From resource management to faculty development, CSP covers the real-world challenges chairs face.
- Learn From Experienced Chairs: Every cohort is guided by a certified chair coach who’s been in the role.
- Create a Network of Support: Connect with peers navigating similar transitions and challenges.
Help your department chairs lead with clarity, confidence, and care.
Related Programs
Institutional Membership
Provide faculty at your institution with year-round access to NCFDD’s full suite of resources, including webinars, writing challenges, and private discussion forums.
Designed for:
Graduate students | Early Career | Alt-ac | Tenure Track | Mid-Career Faculty | Senior Faculty
Faculty Success Program
A structured, 10-week program designed to help faculty increase writing productivity, secure grants, and manage time effectively. Ideal for department chairs looking to support their faculty’s success.
Designed for:
Alt-ac | Tenure Track | Mid-Career Faculty | Faculty Leaders | Senior Faculty
“The Department Chair Success Program has helped me refocus and regroup after several challenging years in this role. The peer group and group coaching have been the most valuable part of the program. No one knows the challenges chairs face better than other chairs. Having a confidential peer group for accountability was wonderful!!
I think this is a must-do program for new chairs who want to start their terms as chairs with purpose and focus. It was also a wonderful opportunity for me as a veteran chair to reflect, refocus my efforts and consider next steps in my career.”
Leigh A. Patterson, MD, MAEd
Associate Professor and Chair
ECU Brody School of Medicine