Associate Deans Roundtable
Updated 8/28/25
Those “leading from the middle” must have a special knack for diplomacy, and in contrast to the hierarchical models found in most non-academic settings, the associate dean’s task of guiding a group of independent-minded faculty members to a common goal is frequently compared to herding cats. All of this is additionally complicated when leading in times of cultural divides. 
The Associate Dean’s Roundtable offers a community of practice for a small group of associate deans from top research universities. Roundtable members will come together once a month in an expertly facilitated conversation to address personal and organizational goals and challenges, provide mutual support, and exchange ideas, strategies, and best practices.
The group will be facilitated by Rena Seltzer, a leadership coach, dynamic trainer, and author with twenty years of experience coaching academics across the span of their careers. Rena coaches and presents professional development workshops for leaders and faculty members at universities including Yale, Harvard, the University of Michigan, Cornell University, Princeton University, and the University of Wisconsin, as well as the Academy of Management. Rena’s coaching and workshops are deeply influenced by her interest in creating cultures of inclusion and by research in the field of positive organizational scholarship.
Program Details
When: We will meet for 1.5 hours once a month at a mutually convenient time over the course of the 2025-2026 academic year, starting in September 2025 and ending in May 2026. The group includes associate deans from major research universities from across the country, and so meetings are conducted on Zoom.
Fee: The cost for the nine-session group is $1595 if registered by September 5, or $1795 after September 5.
To register: Email Rena@LeaderAcademic.com with “enroll in Associate Deans Roundtable” in the subject line
For more information: contact Rena@LeaderAcademic.com