"There is so much to be gained from this pocketbook of wit and wisdom from an academic leader. Stepniak uses a whimsical approach to capture the depth of effective leadership in higher education. This should be read by every academic leader who wants to transform the landscape of post-secondary education. It is a dictionary that has a profound impact on one's leadership."
-Diann Cameron Kelly, Associate Provost, Adelphi University
"Don'ts for Deans and Academic Leaders is full of wisdom and sound advice, shared with a healthy sense of humor and engaging style. Informed by Stepniak's keen awareness and vast experience, this creative dictionary is well-suited for all in academia."
-Karin Thompson, Department Chair, Andrews University
"Michael Stepniak's quick-answer handbook on great administrative tips and tricks for higher education executives is a must-have for any department, school or college chair, director, or dean-the newly minted, or the grizzled and seasoned. Using both his significant experience in the field, as well as a knack for wit and intuition, Stepniak has delivered a series of well-documented common daily dilemmas with meaningful, clear, and very succinct solutions. My copy does not sit on my shelf, but instead is dog-earedly open on my desk-every day."
-Tayloe Harding, Dean, University of South Carolina
"As a longtime denizen of the world of higher education, Michael Stepniak is eminently qualified to provide what he does here. A temperate, telling, and timely guide to administrators including chairs, directors, deans, and provosts on how to make the most of the time they serve."
-Barbara Kellerman, Fellow, Center for Public Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School
"An essential guide for faculty moving into administrative positions. I truly wish this book existed when I went into administrative leadership twenty years ago. It's an insightful, humorous, and humanistic guide that will prove invaluable to anyone navigating the labyrinth of academic leadership."
-Bryon Grigsby, President, Moravian College
--
Do you want to succeed as a new or developing leader within academia? Are you needing a resource with helpful advice that is both practical and accessible? Start with this playful and illuminating collection of reflections on what not to do when leading among higher education faculty. Written by a seasoned educator and keen student of the human condition, this guidebook provides powerful insights to help you prosper.
Stepniak, Michael: - Michael Stepniak is a broadly trained educator, arts leader, and critically acclaimed musician and author. A former board member of the International Council of Fine Arts Deans, Michael relishes his roles as a long-time dean, recruiter of mischief makers, and champion of faculty, students and innovation. He completed his doctoral studies at Harvard, focusing on arts education and leadership, and graduate studies at Peabody Conservatory, Northwestern University, and New England Conservatory. He currently serves as Executive Dean of Creativity and the Arts at Shenandoah University. A still-at-times-awkwardly transplanted Australian, Michael resides in Winchester, Virginia, with his family and two cats.
