Searching for Higher Education Leadership

By (author) Unknown

Publication date:

28 February 2007

Length of book:

216 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9780275991463

Dowdall's book offers sample documents for candidates as well as for the search committees, and includes a substantive bibliography. From her vantage point outside the institution, Dowdall is able to provide a unique point of view and insightful comments on the complex and often daunting process of the academic executive search. Key selling points include: The eagerness for career advice that exists, both from candidates (Part I of the book) and search committees (Part II of the book); a visible author, who writes a monthly column in the Chronicle of Higher Education and lectures often at leadership seminars; and information on this subject which covers all institutional types, including liberal arts colleges, comprehensive institutions, research universities, and community colleges.

Part 1 Preface Part 2 PART I: ADVICE FOR CANDIDATES Chapter 3 Before You Start Looking Chapter 4 Preparing Your Application Chapter 5 Preliminary Interviews Chapter 6 Second-Round Interviews Chapter 7 Building Relationships with Committees and Consultants Chapter 8 Considering an Offer Chapter 9 If You Are Not Selected Chapter 10 Transition to the New Appointment Part 11 PART II: ADVICE FOR SEARCH COMMITTEES Chapter 12 Understanding the Leadership Opportunity Chapter 13 Assembling Strong Search Committees Chapter 14 What Search Consultants Do Chapter 15 Preparing for the Search Chapter 16 Recruiting Candidates Chapter 17 Evaluating Candidates and Selecting Finalists Chapter 18 Transition to New Leadership

Jean Dowdall…provide[s]…a spectrum of sound advice, clear alternatives, and significant information. Divided into two sections, the book opens with material for candidates, taking them through the process from the initial decision about applying to fill an opening all the way through to the successful candidate's transition. Along the way, she is careful to note where there may be special concerns for internal candidates, for non-traditional candidates, and for unsuccessful candidates. That breadth makes it one that should stay on a handy bookshelf-even after the first reading. The second section, aimed at search committees, covers an equally complete spectrum, from developing a position description through the transition for the successful candidate. This section of the narrative offers not only straight process/procedure design and advice, but also occasional advice on how these elements might affect a candidate's perception of the institution. Candidates and search committees should read both sections; their ability to see themselves from across the table should improve the entire process for all involved. Absolute must read for every academic who may ever be either a candidate or a search committee member.