Home » Blog » Book on Academic Leadership by Stepniak Published by Atmosphere Press

Book on Academic Leadership by Stepniak Published by Atmosphere Press

The book, “Don’ts for Deans and Academic Leaders: A Higher Education Guidebook,” written by Executive Dean for Creativity & the Arts and Professor of Music Michael Stepniak, Ed.D., was published by Atmosphere Press this month. It is an unconventional leadership dictionary arranged from “Actions” to “Yesterday,” offering playful and insightful reflections on what NOT to do when leading in academia. The book is geared toward academic deans, department chairs, aspiring academic leaders, educators interested in leadership roles and higher education administrators, as well as anyone who is passionate about higher education or leadership.

“It’s been a three-year passion project and an unexpectedly personal journey,” said Stepniak. “Many thanks to my spouse, Anne, for her unwavering support and to Shenandoah University for supporting my work – both of which were instrumental in bringing this book to life!”

Visit amazon.com to learn more and order the book.

Reviews

“…a pocketbook of wit and wisdom… This should be read by every academic leader who wants to transform the landscape of post-secondary education.”
– Diann Cameron Kelly, Associate Provost, Adelphi University

“…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

“…a must-have for any department, school or college chair, director, or dean — the newly minted, or the grizzled and seasoned.”
– Tayloe Harding, Dean, University of South Carolina

“I truly wish this book existed when I went into administrative leadership twenty years ago. It’s an insightful, humorous, and humanistic guide”
– Bryon Grigsby, President, Moravian College

Categories:

Recent News

An American flag waves over Shenandoah's main campus.

Shenandoah Alumni And University Leaders In Public Service

SU graduates and leaders across generations have answered the call to serve

Reaching Out Now founder Samantha Barber addresses a room full of high school students.

Reaching Out Now, Shenandoah University Partner To Launch Shenandoah Leadership Scholars

New initiative promotes leadership development, college and career readiness for high school students in the Northern Shenandoah Valley

Internships And More Lead New Cybersecurity Grad to IBM

Practical Experience at Shenandoah University Made a Huge Difference for Abigail Keene ’26

A headshot of Dillon Mauzy in a gray suit and blue tie.

Shenandoah University’s Dillon Mauzy Selected As VFIC Presidential Scholar

New program provides scholarships, mentorships and networking opportunities for students

Monthly Archives