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“Leading from the Middle” is a leadership development program designed for mid-level leaders in higher education.¹ The Fall 2024 series offers a rich blend of interactive workshops, expert-led discussions, and practical sessions aimed at empowering participants to navigate the unique challenges of leadership in the “middle” of institutional hierarchies.
Through this program, attendees will gain valuable insights into maintaining their core values while adapting to new responsibilities, fostering strong relationships, addressing conflict, managing performance, and understanding important legal and ethical obligations. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with seasoned leaders and peers to discuss actionable strategies that enhance their leadership effectiveness within the dynamic environment of higher education.
¹ This program is designed for mid-level faculty administrators and staff managers/directors. A more detailed description of these kinds of roles is provided below.
Mondays from 3:00-5:00 PM ET
October 7
October 14
October 21
October 28
November 4
² HERS is a nonprofit organization. The Program Fee helps defray our technology and program facilitator expenses, as well as various administrative costs. Please review our GuideStar profile for further information about our financials and nonprofit status.
Please consult our virtual workshop and virtual program series cancellation and refund policy.
[Sessions were] very organized, targeted, optimistic, evidence-based.
The presenter was engaging, the session was participatory. I felt like we were really building community among the participants. The information shared today was truly pure gold!
Academic administrators rarely receive formal training in leadership, supervision, or performance management. This five-part interactive program provides higher ed professionals (both faculty and staff) who have recently assumed administrative or managerial roles the tools and skills necessary to lead with confidence.
Participants will engage with peers and facilitators as they gain knowledge and develop skills for managing direct and indirect reports, motivating and managing performance, navigating conflict and interpersonal dynamics, and understanding important ethical and legal considerations for leading effectively from the organizational “middle.” Importantly, the program explores the impact of intersectionality, including the nuances of gender and race, on perceptions of leadership effectiveness.
Read below for detailed descriptions of the program sessions including learning outcomes and facilitators.
This session offers an in-depth exploration of the challenges mid-level higher education leaders face in preserving their “treasures”—the unique expertise, experiences, identities, and ways of seeing the world—as they transform in new leadership roles. Participants will delve into the concepts of humanization and dehumanization as a framing for the critical importance of relationship-building and problem-solving in effective leadership.
We will examine the delicate balance required to maintain your core values and personal and professional identity while adapting to new responsibilities. Can effective leadership from the middle coexist with your unique “treasures,” or must you leave them behind? How can you lead others while undergoing your own transformation as a leader? Additionally, we’ll explore methods for inspiring the unique contributions of your team members and colleagues in ways that honor their humanity and maintain your humanity, toward the aim of becoming a humanizing leader.
Through this session, participants will gain strategies for fostering resilience and joy while effectively leading from the middle.
Facilitator: María del Carmen Salazar, Ph.D.
Dr. María del Carmen Salazar is Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and DEIJA and Professor of Curriculum and Instruction and Teacher Education at the University of Denver (DU) Morgridge College of Education (MCE). Dr. Salazar has authored 38 publications and given 165 scholarly international, national, and local presentations on a humanizing pedagogy, equitable teaching in K-12 and higher education, culturally responsive teacher evaluation, and college access and success for Latinx youth.
In addition to academic scholarship, Dr. Salazar is a community-engaged researcher and scholar that advances research with community and publishes research briefs that are accessible to diverse communities. In 2018, she was the recipient of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Innovations in Research on Equity and Social Justice in Teacher Education Award. In 2022, she was the recipient of the Colorado Association of Bilingual Educators President’s Award.
Dr. Salazar’s professional service includes international, national, and local contributions for a number of organizations and initiatives. She has contributed as an educational consultant for organizations such as the Gates Foundation, Branch Alliance for Educator Diversity, Youth Celebrate Diversity, and the Association of Colorado Independent Schools. She is affiliated and founding faculty of the University of Denver Interdisciplinary Research Institute for the Study of (in)Equality (IRISE) and the Latinx Center.
She is proud of her accomplishments as a first-generation college student, Mexican immigrant, and single mom of three wonderful children. And, she is a HERS alum, Denver 2011.
Conflict is an unavoidable aspect of leadership, arising from the dynamic nature of relationships within any organization. Effective conflict management is crucial for leaders who aim to foster a collaborative and productive environment. In this session, we will explore the multifaceted nature of conflict by examining our roles in various conflict situations and understanding the unique conflict culture of our organizations.
Participants will learn strategies to manage conflict proactively, navigate real-time disputes, and address post-conflict situations constructively. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, we will delve into values-based decision-making, role clarity, and strategic approaches that can help leaders effectively manage conflicts at any stage.
Facilitator: Dawn Osborne-Adams, J.D.
Dawn Osborne-Adams currently serves as the University Ombuds and Director of the Ombuds Office at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has devoted her career to helping individuals and organizations build capacity to engage in constructive problem solving.
Dawn’s experience across sectors, including higher education, government, and private industry, has given her broad insight into how conflict manifests within organizations and what individuals within organizations need to thrive. She has extensive experience providing training and education in alternative dispute resolution, constructive communication and leadership and has had the privilege to be an invited speaker on these topics locally and globally.
Dawn earned her B.S. from Georgetown University and her J.D. from New York University School of Law. She holds a certificate in dispute resolution from the Straus Institute at Pepperdine University School of Law.
This session delves into the multifaceted role of middle managers in higher education. Participants will explore the critical responsibilities inherent to these positions for both faculty and staff, and will learn how understanding generational differences can enhance leadership effectiveness.
The program will provide actionable strategies for motivating staff and faculty, managing performance, and conducting meaningful annual reviews. Through a blend of best practices and practical tips, attendees will learn to navigate the challenges of leading from the organizational “middle” to foster a culture of high performance and job satisfaction.
This session will equip middle managers with the knowledge and tools necessary to lead effectively in the complex environment of higher education. The workshop will also cover the role of “middle managers” in addressing safety concerns and will clarify common misconceptions around FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).
Facilitator: Kathy Rogers, J.D.
Former Legal Counsel at Simmons University
Kathleen (Kathy) Rogers is a native of Boston who lives in Arlington, Massachusetts. Kathy recently retired from Simmons University where she served as senior vice president, chief of staff, general counsel, and secretary to the board of trustees. During her 20+ years at Simmons, Kathy advised four Simmons presidents and hundreds of trustees, senior officers, and colleagues on a broad range of legal, governance, strategic, and policy matters.
Kathy is a frequent speaker on higher education topics and has been a facilitator for HERS since 2013. She is passionate about women’s education and identifies with first-generation undergraduates because she was one. During her time at Simmons, she served as an adjunct professor at Simmons teaching a course called “Unlikely Leaders,” focusing on the leadership qualities of five individuals who sought justice for themselves and others from the U.S. Supreme Court in five notable civil rights cases.
In her retirement, Kathy presents programs to universities and colleges on a variety of topics and is active in civic matters.
This session aims to empower middle managers with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate their roles effectively, fostering a better understanding of their legal, ethical, and managerial responsibilities. In this session, participants will unravel the significant distinctions between policies, protocols, and practices, and their implications for mid-level leaders in an academic setting.
Additionally, the discussion will cover the nuances between free speech and academic freedom and why understanding the distinctions between the two is crucial for effective leadership in a higher education setting. The program will also offer strategies for wise decision-making and effective communication, emphasizing the complex dynamics of leading when you report to higher authorities. Practical advice on when and how to consult with legal counsel will be integrated to enhance decision-making skills.
Facilitator: Kathy Rogers, J.D.
Former Legal Counsel at Simmons University
Read bio above.
Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring three seasoned leaders who have served in mid-level leadership roles, and represent diverse career paths within higher education. Prior to the session, participants will submit questions that will shape a dynamic moderated Q&A, focusing on real-world experiences, successes, and challenges faced by mid-level leaders in academia. The panelists will share personal anecdotes and practical tools they’ve utilized in navigating their roles effectively.
Following the 50-minute panel discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to join one of three breakout rooms for a deeper, more personal interaction with the panelists. The session will conclude in the main Zoom room, where participants will reflect on their learnings and discuss actionable leadership strategies to implement in their own roles.
This session is designed to empower current and aspiring mid-level leaders with actionable knowledge and strategies to enhance their leadership effectiveness in higher education.
Panelist: María del Carmen Salazar, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and DEIJA and Professor of Curriculum & Instruction and Teacher Education, University of Denver
Dr. María del Carmen Salazar is Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and DEIJA and Professor of Curriculum and Instruction and Teacher Education at the University of Denver (DU) Morgridge College of Education (MCE). Dr. Salazar has authored 38 publications and given 165 scholarly international, national, and local presentations on a humanizing pedagogy, equitable teaching in K-12 and higher education, culturally responsive teacher evaluation, and college access and success for Latinx youth.
In addition to academic scholarship, Dr. Salazar is a community-engaged researcher and scholar that advances research with community and publishes research briefs that are accessible to diverse communities. In 2018, she was the recipient of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Innovations in Research on Equity and Social Justice in Teacher Education Award. In 2022, she was the recipient of the Colorado Association of Bilingual Educators President’s Award.
Dr. Salazar’s professional service includes international, national, and local contributions for a number of organizations and initiatives. She has contributed as an educational consultant for organizations such as the Gates Foundation, Branch Alliance for Educator Diversity, Youth Celebrate Diversity, and the Association of Colorado Independent Schools. She is affiliated and founding faculty of the University of Denver Interdisciplinary Research Institute for the Study of (in)Equality (IRISE) and the Latinx Center.
She is proud of her accomplishments as a first-generation college student, Mexican immigrant, and single mom of three wonderful children. And, she is a HERS alum, Denver 2011.
Panelist: Dorine Lawrence-Hughes, J.D., Ed.D.
Owner, Brazen Communication, LLC and Former Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Education, University of Michigan
Dr. Dorine Lawrence-Hughes has been counseling and coaching leaders for over 10 years. As the founder of Brazen Communication, a coaching and consulting company, Dr. Lawrence-Hughes provides individual coaching, group coaching and leadership workshop facilitation for individuals, teams and organizations.
Her most recent engagements include serving as an executive leadership coach for University of Michigan Medicine and a leadership trainer for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and UCLA’s University Leadership Academy. And until summer of 2024, Dr. Lawrence-Hughes served for several years as an Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Education at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor where she helped to facilitate various cross-school, cross-curricular, and co-curricular initiatives for effective leading, teaching and learning.
She is often thought of as a strategic thought partner- effective at helping clients work through the challenging realities of academic and corporate culture to gain strides in their personal and professional development.
Panelist: Shannon B. Lundeen, Ph.D.
Vice President for Programs and Operations, HERS
Dr. Shannon B. Lundeen is the Vice President of Programs and Operations at HERS. Shannon oversees HERS program development and delivery, admissions, and assessment and also manages the operations of HERS including HR, IT, marketing and recruitment, and alum engagement.
Before joining HERS in the spring of 2022, Shannon spent nearly two decades serving in academic affairs leadership roles working in a variety of ways to advance equity and promote inclusive excellence in higher education. She has served as a professor and administrator in academic affairs, lived on campus as a faculty fellow, and has contributed to a wide range of scholarship from feminist bioethics to belonging in undergraduate residential learning communities. Dr. Lundeen has taught and developed curriculum in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies, managed a research center on gender, directed a campus women’s center, developed and facilitated leadership programming for women and gender-diverse faculty and staff, and has served as a content expert in diversity, inclusion, and equity in higher ed.
She has worked at The University of Pennsylvania, Case Western Reserve University, and Elon University. She holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Stony Brook University. Shannon lives in Denver with her partner and three children.
Moderator: Lindsey L. Templeton, Ph.D.
Senior Associate Director of Programs and Operations, HERS
Dr. Lindsey L. Templeton is the Senior Associate Director of Programs and Research at HERS. In this role, Lindsey is responsible for building a diverse pool of experts, practitioners, and scholars who inform HERS curricula; assisting with development and delivery of all HERS programs; and leading assessment efforts to evaluate program effectiveness and organizational impact. Lindsey also works closely with the HERS senior leadership team on thought leadership and the development and execution of HERS’ research agenda.
Dr. Templeton has experience as an education researcher, with an emphasis on leadership and gender equity. Through research and practice, she aims to equip leaders with tools and strategies to both navigate and enhance work in the academy. Lindsey’s recent scholarship focuses on equity in faculty workloads, hiring, and promotion and tenure processes. Before joining HERS in 2020, Lindsey worked at the University of Maryland, College Park in the ADVANCE Program for Inclusive Excellence and was Director of Research and Training for a non-profit organization focused on student leadership. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Maryland and a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Richmond.
Leaders who are new to administrative roles with supervisory or management responsibilities in higher education. Ideal participants are seeking to build key skills as effective leaders and managers, and gain guidance and clarity on leading with influence and confidence.
This program is intended for directors, assistant/associate directors, department chairs, assistant/associate chairs, assistant/associate deans, assistant/associate VPs, or other faculty and staff leaders with supervisory responsibilities.
Success in one’s first few administrative roles can set the stage for a long and successful career in higher education leadership. Those who feel unprepared or out-of-their-depth may not pursue senior leadership roles later in their career, which shrinks the pipeline of women and gender-diverse leaders overall. Early successes on the other hand equip leaders with the confidence to do more as well as stronger resumes or CVs for when they apply to senior-level positions. As these leaders advance their careers and bring equity to higher education, they can continue to use the skills and knowledge from this program to transform their institutions and the students they serve.
As one of our partners, you can be a leader behind much-needed change in the educational sector. Support for our programs drives leadership equity, enabling institutions to better support an increasingly diverse student body and better prepare their students to create a more equitable society.