Keaghan Turner, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the interdisciplinary programs housed in the HTC Honors College at Coastal Carolina University, was selected by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) as one of 36 higher education professionals to participate in the inaugural cohort of its Department Chair Leadership Institute (DCLI). This program was designed to address the unique needs of department chairs at state colleges and universities and created in response to member feedback and requests for a robust professional development program to help department chairs cultivate critical skills to overcome common challenges, as well as prepare for future administrative roles.

The inaugural cohort had an in-person meeting in Washington, D.C., at the start of the year and participated in three virtual sessions in February and March. The comprehensive curriculum, which was crafted to fill a vital professional development gap, covered topics including how to lead a department based on an institution’s mission and strategic plan; navigating difficult conversations; growing and sustaining a future-focused department; and maintaining relevance as higher education changes.

“The AASCU program was packed with interactive presentations and practical exercises designed to promote and maintain communication, creative problem-solving, and a positive departmental culture,” said Turner. “I especially enjoyed the facilitators’ emphasis on the importance of achieving a sense of balance, individually and collectively, to foster innovation and productivity in the academic workspace.”

Turner expressed gratitude to University leadership for the opportunity to participate in the program.

“I appreciate the support of Interim Provost Sara Hottinger and HTC Honors College Interim Dean Louis Keiner in providing me with the opportunity to collaborate with peers and learn from experienced leaders from institutions across the country,” said Turner. “I was able to bring back several strategies and ideas that I hope will benefit my colleagues and enhance my contributions to the college.”

According to AASCU, the response to and demand for the DCLI program was so high that the 2024 institute will be made up of two cohorts, with the second group participating in its in-person meeting in August and subsequent virtual sessions taking place in September and October.

“We’re excited to add DCLI to our suite of leadership development programs and grateful for the support from our valued partners at Academic Search who made this possible,” said José A. Cabrales, AASCU’s executive in charge. “Our members asked, and we answered the call to further solidify our dedication to preparing the next generation of campus leaders for the rigors of serving institutions with an equity mindset and delivering the value students deserve.”

The AASCU is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association of 350 public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underserved student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development.