Sustaining Writing Momentum in a Demanding Academic Life

writing in academia

Writing is core to academic success, but it’s often the first thing to get pushed aside when schedules fill up. Teaching, service, mentoring, administrative tasks, and life outside of work can easily crowd out even the most well-intentioned writing plans. For faculty and academic leaders alike, the challenge isn’t knowing that writing matters: it’s figuring … Read more

FSP by the Numbers: A Snapshot of Impact 

faculty success program

Since its inception, the Faculty Success Program (FSP) has supported thousands of academics across disciplines, institutions, and identities as they navigate the demands of scholarly writing, research productivity, and sustainable work-life integration. From assistant professors just beginning their careers to full professors seeking renewed focus, FSP provides a proven structure and community to help faculty … Read more

Stepping into Leadership: How Department Chairs Can Own Their Career Growth

department chair leadership

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

Framing and Maintaining a Research Agenda: A Blueprint for Success

blueprint for success

Author: Fred A. Bonner II, EdD For researchers in general, and tenure-track faculty in particular, perhaps the most critical task they must engage is to develop a clear and concise research agenda that will serve as the scaffolding for a career in Academe or also the workforce beyond the Academy. From developing a researchable topic to … Read more

Request Your Strategic Roadmap

Request Strategic Roadmap

Connect Your Strategic Priorities to Targeted Faculty Development Your institution’s goals — from increasing faculty retention and research output to fostering a culture of support — all depend on one thing: your faculty’s success. That’s where NCFDD comes in. We work with colleges and universities to align their strategic priorities with proven, research-based faculty development … Read more

AASCU Summer Meeting 2025

aascu summer meeting 2025

What Does a Happy Future Look Like? Let’s Talk at AASCU 2025. 📍 July 15-17, 2025 | Indianapolis, IN As public universities navigate rising uncertainty—tight budgets, shifting demographics, AI disruptions, and growing skepticism about higher education—one thing is clear: faculty well-being is central to institutional resilience. That’s why we’re heading to the 2025 AASCU Summer … Read more

From Uncertainty to Clarity: Inside the First Department Chair Success Program

department chair success program

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

3 Ways to Reframe Your Time around Writing

time

Author: NCFDD For many faculty, the biggest barrier to consistent writing isn’t a lack of ideas—it’s time. Or more accurately, how time feels. Unstructured. Fragmented. Constantly overtaken by urgent demands. It’s easy to blame teaching loads or service expectations (and yes, those are real). But underneath the surface, many faculty wrestle with deeper issues: guilt … Read more

How to Translate Research for a General Audience Through Digital Media

translating research for general audience

By Danielle Bainbridge, PhD, Assistant Professor, Northwestern University Many academics share a commitment to bring our work and expertise to a wider audience outside of our own classrooms. This could be through video web series, podcasts, op eds, online articles, building our own websites, and so much more.  I think one of the biggest mistakes … Read more

Mid-Career Transition: Advice on Moving from Associate to Full Professor

mid career faculty

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