EAB’s Department Chair Academy
We encourage Deans Advisory Services partners to nominate up to two department chairs each to participate in the Department Chair Academy.
Few jobs on campus are more important—or more difficult—than leading a department. Chairs must respond to unprecedented internal and external pressures to deliver on strategic priorities for their college and institution, as well as advocate for faculty and staff within their department. Historically, however, chairs have been expected to transition into this role without formal training on topics such as people management or institutional finances, or guidance on how to manage the pressures and conflicting demands of diverse stakeholders.
EAB created the Department Chair Academy to address the greatest needs of new and aspiring chairs—transitioning to a leadership role, fostering a positive and effective departmental culture, managing conflict, and aligning department goals with college- and institution-level priorities.
What attendees will learn
EAB has identified ten academic and administrative responsibilities of the modern department chair and designed a three-part, cohort-based workshop experience to provide chairs with the strategies necessary to succeed in their role:
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Session 1: Embracing Positional Power and Building a Culture of Trust
Friday, August 14, 2026 | 12:30-2:00 p.m. ET
- Build a productive and healthy departmental culture by identifying and leveraging your unique sources of authority as chair
- Strengthen faculty engagement, performance, and retention through sharper, more intentional management practices
- Increase confidence in navigating difficult policy directives by practicing responses in an interactive scenario
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Session 2: Bridging Department and Institutional Priorities
Friday, August 21, 2026 | 12:30-2:00 p.m. ET
- Anticipate and respond to emerging and enduring challenges facing higher education cabinets and boards
- Align departmental priorities and decision-making more effectively with broader institutional strategy and leadership goals
- Strengthen leadership readiness for crises and high-stakes events by applying strategic prioritization frameworks in interactive breakout sessions
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Session 3: The Art and Science of Behavioral Change
Friday, August 28, 2026 | 12:30-2:00 p.m. ET
- Lead institutional change more strategically by identifying and addressing the psychological, structural, and social barriers that often create resistance and slow progress
- Build a practical and flexible implementation plan for change initiatives through collaborative discussion and peer-informed problem solving
Ready to get started?
If you are a Deans Advisory Services partner and are interested in nominating department chairs for EAB’s 2026 Summer Department Chair Academy, log in and fill out the form below. For questions, please email your Strategic Leader or [email protected].
If you’re not yet a partner, learn more about Deans Advisory Services.