The Clemson Chair Academy, Clemson University’s customized leadership development initiative that strengthens awareness, skills, connection and institutional understanding for department chairs at all career stages, will launch four unique leadership development series beginning Fall 2026. To introduce the series, the Academy will host a Leadership Development Series Preview on Friday, February 27 from 12-1 p.m. in Strom Thurmond Institute 101 and on Zoom.
“These series represent the Academy’s commitment to cultivating strong, adaptive, and well-supported academic leaders,” said Tia Dumas, leader of the Clemson Chair Academy and associate vice president for strategic alliances. “We know academic leaders across campus are facing increasing demands and these new series will respond directly to these challenges, equipping leaders with evidence-based, practical strategies they can apply in their roles now.”
Designed for department chairs at every level, school directors and associate deans, these series aim to strengthen the capabilities essential to guiding academic units in today’s rapidly evolving higher education landscape, from navigating change and resource management to building inclusive, high-performing teams.
All academic leaders are invited to attend, learn more about the series, offer feedback and exchange ideas with colleagues. This preview session provides an opportunity to explore the Academy’s new, research-informed leadership development offerings and shape future programming.
These series are part of the Clemson Chair Academy’s collaborative efforts across the University to develop academic leaders at every level.
A holistic and applied approach to departmental leadership
Each series focuses on core leadership capacities critical for effective academic unit administration:
- Mastering change management: With higher education in constant flux, leaders learn proven frameworks for guiding teams through transition while maintaining clarity and momentum.
- Enhancing communication savvy: From difficult conversations to cross-unit collaboration, leaders strengthen their ability to communicate with influence, precision, and empathy.
- Boosting data acumen: Participants gain confidence leveraging data for decision-making, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
- Prioritizing leader well being: Recognizing the demands of chair roles, the series includes tools for sustaining personal well being, supporting healthy teams, and fostering student success.
Series workshops offer a practical blend of theory, application, and reflection to help leaders close the gap between their leadership goals and what they can deliver in their day-to-day roles. Each series is designed to be flexible and engaging for the busy academic leader.
Designed and led by scholars and University leaders
A hallmark of the Clemson Chair Academy is its commitment to tailored, high-quality, and experience-driven instruction. The new series are created and facilitated by:
- scholars specializing in organizational behavior, communication, and leveraging data for decision-making,
- teaching and learning specialists, and
- seasoned academic leaders who have successfully navigated the complexities of chair, director, associate dean, and/or senior administrative roles.
Their insights offer participants a rare blend of research-backed knowledge and practical, lived expertise.
Empowering Clemson’s leaders of today and tomorrow
With these four new leadership development series, the Clemson Chair Academy continues to invest in a thriving culture of academic leadership rooted in confidence, collaboration, resilience and strategic impact.
