The Department Chair as Transformative Diversity Leader: Building Inclusive Learning Environments in Higher Education

This is the first book to address the role of the the department chair in diversity and addresses an unmet need by providing a research-based, systematic approach to diversity leadership in the academic department based on survey findings and in-person interviews.

It examines the multidimensional contributions that chairs make in advancing diversity within their departments and institutions in the representation of diverse faculty and staff, and in tenure and promotion, curricular change, student learning outcomes, and departmental climate.

It addresses institutional power structures and the role of the dean in relation to the appointment of chairs and their impact on the success of chairs from nondominant groups in predominantly White, male departments.

The book focuses on the opportunities and challenges chairs face in their collaborative journey with faculty and administration toward inclusive departmental and institutional practices. Each chapter provides concrete strategies that chairs can use to strengthen diversity in the academic department.

Conference Room

145A (4 copies)