Leadership Development
Department Chairs and Academic Program Directors
Department chairs and academic program directors are essential leaders who navigate an array of responsibilities to support faculty and advance the priorities and interests of their units and UNM. The complex roles of chairs and academic program directors include a mix of strategic governance, mentoring, and management responsibilities. To support department and program leadership on central and branch campuses, build community, and provide professional development, Academic Affairs coordinates an orientation for new department chairs and a monthly series for all department chairs and directors.
New Chairs Orientation
Academic Affairs organizes a multiday orientation for new chairs and academic program directors two weeks before the start of Fall semester. The orientation introduces leaders to the roles and responsibilities of the chair, builds a supportive community of practice, and focuses on strategies to maximize success in the transition from faculty to department leader. New chairs and directors will also learn about key resources on campus to support their work as department and academic program leaders.
The next orientation for new chairs and academic program directors is August 6 and 7th, Click here for the agenda.
Chairs and Directors Colloquia
Academic Affairs organizes monthly meetings during the academic year to address the varied roles and responsibilities of department leadership. The colloquia focus on timely topics and provide opportunities for fostering supportive community among chairs and academic program directors. Colloquia sessions for Fall ‘25 is scheduled for 10:00 - 11:30am on August 29, September 19, October 24, and November 24. Each session is held in the McKinnon Center for Management Building, Room 2120.
Spring 2025 topics included:
Associate Dean’s for Faculty Meeting
The Assistant Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs convenes monthly meetings with Associate Deans for Faculty to foster community, support, and communication among those committed to supporting faculty development across central campus colleges.
WeR1 Leadership Innovation for Faculty Transformation (LIFT)
Academic Affairs has partnered with The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) to develop a leadership development program that offers opportunities for faculty to explore focused leadership goals and pathways.
LIFT provides concrete support and mentoring to a small cohort of faculty to advance their research and/or administrative leadership knowledge and skills. One broad leadership pathway will focus on developing research leadership opportunities to enhance professional standing and the university's renown in research, scholarship and inclusive practice. The program also invites Fellows interested in other forms of academic leadership at the department, college/school, university, or professional levels. Among numerous possibilities, faculty may explore interests in pursuing leadership positions (chair, director, associate dean and beyond); developing academic programs; expanding research teams; leading large, multi-level proposal efforts; assuming service roles within professional organizations; and generally expanding their success in serving and leading teams, organizations, or the broader community. Fellows will identify and pursue specific and ambitious goals to develop their leadership achievement along a chosen trajectory.
Click here for the call for the 2026 LIFT Program.
Lightning Lounge
Hosted by Advance at UNM, the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of the Vice President for Research, Lightning Lounge is a fun and dynamic event that celebrates the work of UNM faculty. Lightning Lounge happens several times a semester and features faculty presenters who speak on their research/creative work, teaching, or outreach for seven minutes. There is time for Q&A and networking. If you are interested in presenting your research at a future lounge or want to recommend someone, email AVP for Faculty Affairs, Christopher Lyons or advance@unm.edu.
Upcoming events can be found at our Events and Deadlines Calendar here, or on ADVANCE’s event page here.
Previous Lightning Lounge sessions:
- February 19, 2025
- March 26, 2025
- April 16, 2025
Leadership Opportunities
The University of New Mexico offers a diverse range of opportunities for faculty, leadership, and executive positions. Faculty openings span across numerous disciplines, inviting scholars and researchers to contribute to a vibrant academic community. For those interested in leadership roles, UNM seeks innovative individuals to guide departments, centers, and initiatives, promoting academic excellence and institutional growth. Executive searches at UNM aim to attract visionary leaders for senior administrative roles, shaping the university’s strategic direction and enhancing its impact. The university values inclusive excellence, collaboration, and academic rigor, providing a dynamic environment for professional advancement and institutional leadership.
- ULEAD: Any employee looking to improve their interpersonal skills to become more effective in the workplace will benefit from ULead. ULead is the ideal program for employees interested in developing their leadership skills as part of their career path. ULead is available to all UNM employees as part of your UNM Benefits.
- Academic Leadership Faculty Fellowship: The Division for Equity and Inclusion (DEI) established the DEI Academic Leadership Faculty Fellow Program to support faculty who are targets of harassment and bullying. DEI invites tenured faculty who hold a primary appointment on Main campus to apply for an appointment as DEI Academic Faculty Leadership Faculty Fellow.
- Open Enrollment Leadership Development Courses: For the convenience of the UNM workforce community, Employee and Organizational Development (EOD) offers leadership development courses throughout the year on a variety of dates and times. Offered through Learning Central, these courses are open to any interested faculty, staff, or student employee. Participants do not have to be in specific management position titles, have direct reports, or be a part of a program.
