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