Leadership in a Small Liberal Arts College History Program

At small liberal arts colleges (SLACs), leadership can look very different than at a larger research institution--and our small departments often mean that we take on leading roles early and often. This interactive workshop will provide an opportunity for faculty members at SLACs to discuss and share strategies for leadership roles within departments and across campuses--including, but not limited to, chairing a department. We welcome SLAC faculty members from all career stages, aiming to bring together early-career scholars and those with experience in departmental leadership. This interactive session will explore topics such as mentoring colleagues, leading interdisciplinary or other programs, managing budgets and budget changes, navigating faculty position requests and searches, engaging with administration, creating meaningful learning experiences for our students, assessment and departmental review, and fostering collaborative and inclusive department cultures. Sponsored by the AHA’s Working Group on Small Liberal Arts Colleges, this workshop is part of a larger effort to build community among SLAC faculty and to create new venues for the discussion of issues facing historians at liberal arts colleges. Participation in this workshop will be limited to small liberal arts college faculty.