Associate Deans Roundtable
Updated 8/7/24
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. In 
the midst of this, leaders are rightly being called upon to take a hard look at how racism may continue to be expressed in their organization’s culture and practices, and to take sustainable actions to build more equitable and inclusive institutions. 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 supporting diversity, equity, and 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 2024-2025 academic year, starting in September 2024 and ending in May 2025. 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 $1495 if registered by September 3, or $1695 after September 3.
To register: Email Rena@LeaderAcademic.com with “enroll in Associate Deans Roundtable” in the subject line
For more information: contact Rena@LeaderAcademic.com