Longitudinal Analysis of the Department Chair Position: Influences of the Pandemic on Roles and Responsibilities

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Abstract

Sweeping changes in the structures and functions of higher education have occurred in the past 15 years. Scholars have estimated that department chairs make more than 80% of departmental academic decisions that impact a wide array of stakeholders. This document analysis study examined the content of department chair employment announcements published in 1995, 2005, 2015, and 2021 (N=160) to investigate patterns of qualifications, roles, responsibilities and the changing nature of these leadership positions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and declining undergraduate enrollments. Findings identified changes in four areas: academic department chair qualifications, job responsibilities, commitment to shared governance, and strategic planning.

Authors

• Amanda L. Nolen, Georgia Institute of Technology

• Jim Vander Putten, Mercer University