Provost Leadership Fellows Program

Provost Leadership Fellows Program

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Academic Year 2013-14
Application deadline: June 17, 2013

Program

Tenured faculty members at Columbia have often sought to complement their research and scholarly activities with administrative and leadership responsibilities. A recent University-wide Task Force on Faculty Development identified leadership training opportunities for senior faculty as a key pathway to enhancing academic governance. Moreover, the Provost's Advisory Council for the Enhancement of Faculty Diversity has expressed support for programs to increase the presence of female and underrepresented minority faculty in leadership positions. To further these priorities, the Office of the Provost has established the Provost Leadership Fellows Program.

The Fellows Program aims to develop leadership skills for some of our outstanding tenured faculty.  Fellows will participate in a range of mentoring and learning opportunities; consult regularly with Columbia’s senior administrators; and collaborate with colleagues in the Provost's Office and in other academic and administrative offices across campus.   Fellows will engage directly with key campus strategic initiatives and academic processes in ways that are responsive to the Fellows’ own professional development goals and interests.  Participants will develop greater insight into academic initiatives, strategic planning, budget issues, and challenges in higher education.

Fellows will be appointed for two-year terms.  Fellows’ activities will include meeting approximately four times per semester, at dinners, lunches, or similar settings, with University leadership, distinguished speakers, and other members of the Fellows class to explore pressing issues, opportunities, and challenges facing Columbia and to explore strategies to address them.

Each fellow will also partner with a senior administrator responsible for a process, initiative, or issue of shared interest.  The fellow will meet regularly with that mentor, and participate in key decision-making opportunities, gaining insight and offering input on setting policy, shaping academic planning, and implementing initiatives.

Eligibility

All tenured faculty are eligible to apply.  Nominees are expected to possess some experience in academic leadership or administrative leadership roles, as well as outstanding records of achievement, along with a sincere interest in administrative service.
Applicants may have previous administrative experience at
Columbia (e.g., department chair, center director) but this is not a
requirement; faculty with track records of scholarly, research or service
leadership positions within their discipline are also encouraged to apply.  To further advance the diversity of
Columbia’s leadership and foster an inclusive academic environment, female and
underrepresented minority candidates are encouraged to apply.  

Application Process

Applicants should submit the following materials:

• A current C.V.
• A statement of interest of no more than two pages, which should describe: previous academic leadership and/or administrative leadership experience; the applicant’s motivation for participating in the Fellows program; the applicant’s interest in future leadership roles; and identification of specific topics or areas of interest where the applicant seeks to expand the depth of their experience and expertise.
• A letter of nomination from the applicant’s Dean or Chair that describes the leadership qualities of the applicant and elaborates upon his or her contributions to the academic unit and to the University.

Materials, as well as any inquiries about the program, should be submitted to Justin Pearlman, Chief of Staff, Office of the Provost.  Application materials can be submitted either in electronic form ([email protected]) or hard copy (Office of the Provost, 205 Low Library). 

The deadline for application submission is June 17, 2013.