The Department Chair as Transformative Diversity Leader

“Edna Chun and Alvin Evans’ work on the department chair and diversity fills a gap in the literature on academic leadership. They argue that the academic chair is the pivot for diversity in higher education, particularly as increasing numbers of minoritized students enter the academy. Student diversity contrasts with the overwhelming white maleness of academic administrators, including 90 percent of chairs. Nevertheless, chairs are poised to enhance both the student experience of diversity and diverse faculty diversity development.

The authors used an online survey and interviewed chairs across the nation to assess the current level of progress in diversity, to address barriers to diversity, to understand environmental factors that can promote or impede diversity, and to articulate strategies for developing diversity. They were particularly interested in talking with minoritized chairs and in the impact of diversity on student learning. By diversity, they mean race and ethnicity as well as gender and sexual orientation.

Chun and Evans recognize that department chairs face many limitations in doing diversity work. Changing upper administrations, maintaining harmony in departments, and other issues take up much chair attention. Each chapter ends with strategies a chair may implement to address diversity. The final chapters offer suggestions for developing diversity plans, including helpful examples, and additional strategies for overcoming limitations. The description of higher education today, the voices of the chairs, and the multiple strategies offered create a rich study, insightful and practical, for aiding chairs to become leaders for a diverse academy in a global context.”

Reflective Teaching (Wabash Center)

"Edna Chun and Alvin Evans recognize the pivotal role that department heads and departments play in the structure, culture and climate of our colleges and universities. For diversity and inclusion efforts to really make progress, they must be nurtured and implemented at the grassroots level in each department where personnel decisions are made."

Santa J. Ono, President

University of Cincinnati

From the Foreword:

“The literature on academic leadership and diversity is silent. While a proliferation of new books have been published on the challenges and skills needed to effectively lead a departments, none of the books have directly addressed the issue of building an inclusive department and advancing diversity. This book moves well beyond the usual book on diversity--or department chair development. It blends the two into a powerful and authoritative resource guide for academic leaders: (1) a conceptual framework for understanding the importance and challenge of diversity; and (2) practical strategies gleaned from their qualitative research with department chairs. It is a compendium of important insights and essential information for championing the cause of diversity and effective leadership.

It is difficult for me to envision any authors more qualified than Edna Chun and Alvin Evans to address one of the most important topics in higher education today. They possess not only mature thinking and an investigative mindset, but their study is richly enhanced by department chair testimonials which provide personal insights and tried and true strategies to advance the diversity agenda. I recommend this splendid book without a single reservation to not only department chairs but deans and provosts who are, or should be, serious about building inclusive excellence in their institutions.”

Walt Gmelch, former Dean and Professor of Leadership Studies

University of San Francisco

"Regardless of the institution where you are, this groundbreaking book is a must read for all department chairs seeking concrete tools and strategies for successfully implementing diversity in their departments. It provides practical, research-based approaches representative of best practices from across the United States. Additionally, this book will be a useful tool for faculty, deans, provosts and others working with department chairs who wish to advance the process of diversity transformation."

Bernice Bass de Martinez, Ph.D., Foreign Languages

Sacramento State University