Dear department chair
Forthcoming Book
COMING FALL 2023 FROM WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY PRESS
PALIMPSEST JOURNAL
Palimpsest: A Journal on Women, Gender, and the Black International
Palimpsest journal is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes cutting edge interdisciplinary scholarship and creative work by and about women of the African Diaspora and their communities in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean Worlds. A partnership between Vanderbilt University’s African American and Diaspora Studies Program and the State University of New York (SUNY) Press, the journal is published twice a year and accepts submissions on a rolling basis.
The Chair at the Table special issue of Palimpsest was published in November 2021 (winter vol. 10, no. 2). The journal is available via THIS LINK.
Department chair job description
Meditations from a Black Woman Chair
In summer 2021, Dr. Stephanie Evans published an article titled, "Meditations from a Black Woman Chair: Social Justice Values and a New Normal for Academic Administration" in The Department Chair journal (32.1, pp. 12-14). In the article, she argues for enhanced support for department chairs, starting with providing a clear job description and open recognition of the monumental workload the position requires. She offers a map of her values and leadership philosophy to help campuses work toward a more sustainable balance for chairs.
Values for "A New Normal"
Based on over a decade of experience at three institutions, she wrote, "in this article I offer my administrative philosophy using Toni Morrison’s framework (examine, evaluate, posit, and reinforce) to outline my values. I hope this exercise proves helpful to faculty who take on the challenging role of department chair in the future." She shows how the values of history, health and humanity guide her work.
The Chair: A Detailed Job Description
As part of the article, Dr. Evans offers a detailed job description of tasks and skills inherent in the department chair role (accountabilities and responsibilities). This comprehensive outline clarifies the role for department chairs, students, faculty, administrators, staff, and others around the campus community. [See picture or Chair Resources PDF below for details.]
Aim and Scope of the Journal
Written for academic administrators, this award-winning periodical features in-depth articles that deliver sound insight and proven strategies essential for successfully leading an academic department. A unique resource for chairs, deans, academic vice presidents, and other administrators, The Department Chair delivers practical information in every issue. Written by practitioners from their own experience, this newsletter is invaluable to anyone responsible for a department in any institution of higher education. Each issue includes original articles by experienced academic leaders on a wide range of subjects, such as:
- Leading multiple departments
- Understanding student generational issues
- Implementing diversity policies
- Building faculty morale
- Creating faculty development opportunities
- Adapting to leadership changes
- Developing effective policies
- Focusing your responsibilities
- Crafting your department's vision