Developing Leadership Skills and Abilities for Student Affairs Administrators: Lesson Letters to and from Our Colleagues

by Jacqueline S Hodes (Editor), Matthew R. Shupp, Zebulun R. Davenport

Leadership skills and abilities are essential for student affairs administrators and educators. Through a narrative approach, this book addresses current issues in leadership and administration for student affairs from a variety of perspectives. Lessons, tips, and strategies for student affairs professionals at various levels are provided. Letters from new professionals in the field of student affairs are included, offering insights to graduate students on the challenges of leadership that occur when entering the profession. Additionally, these letters can be used in the classroom as case studies. The book is structured into three parts that include letters to graduate students from new professionals, midlevel managers, and senior/retired administrators. Part I focuses on making the transition from graduate student to new professional, navigating a new campus culture and environment, setting and maintaining boundaries, creating a worklife balance, the importance of campus and professional association involvement, and looking beyond traditional student affairs roles to serve students. These letters will be a valuable tool when evolving as a leader in student affairs. Part II explores the supervisory relationship, ethical dilemmas in higher education and leading colleagues, using challenge and support with students and colleagues, and preparing for the next steps for moving up from new professional to midmanager. These letters contain the knowledge, skill, and insight to train graduate interns and supervisees new to the student affairs field. Part III studies the letters written to midlevel managers from senior/retired student affairs administrators. The importance of building relationships throughout the leadership journey, forming a professional identity, understanding the importance of budgets, the importance of leading with integrity, and the significance of strategic leadership is stressed. Reflection and Action exercises at the end of each chapter will enhance the knowledge, skills, and wisdom for the reader to map out the journey in becoming a competent leader in the field of student affairs. This book will be an excellent student affairs resource for entrylevel, midlevel and seniorlevel professionals, and college administrators.

308 pages, Paperback

Published September 22, 2019

Reviews

[Mar! · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this book for a class in graduate school, but I’m really glad that this book was chosen for us to read! It’s not like your ordinary textbook. It’s filled with personal experiences, pieces of practical advice, and encouragement. For someone that is thinking of entering the world of student affairs, this book gave me a lot to think about! I would love to see more editions of this book with more voices and experiences.