Academic Leadership Development Within the Association of American Universities (AAU): A Communicative Approach

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Interactive Paper Session: Organizational Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

Colleges and universities across the country are on the cusp of significant change. Issues of adaptation, accessibility, assessment, and accountability call for agile and creative leadership. This qualitative research project draws on a comprehensive review of academic leadership initiatives on the Association of American University (AAU) institution websites and 16 interviews with AAU deans and associate deans to offer their views on the state of higher education leadership development. This paper approaches the topic of academic leadership development through a communicative perspective whereby leadership itself, along with the formal methods of training and development in higher education, are accomplished through discourse. Issues of academic leadership and the role communication plays in leadership processes merits focused attention, particularly as college and university leaders address ongoing challenges in higher education both within and beyond the United States.

Author

• Ralph A Gigliotti, Rutgers University