COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 7, 2005) – Two Tennessee Tech University academic department chairpersons are participating in the first Regents Academic Leadership Institute.

Jeff Roberts of history and David Huddleston of civil and environmental engineering are representing TTU in the year-long program sponsored by the Tennessee Board of Regents, the governing body of TTU and a number of other higher education institutions across the state.

The purpose of the institute is to enhance the leadership skills of academic department chairpersons by providing an outlet for networking and sharing ideas, while also addressing key higher education issues common to colleges and universities in order to improve efficiency and support throughout the TBR system.

“I think this program will be a good opportunity for participants to both grow as individuals and receive positive professional development,” said Huddleston.

Roberts agreed, saying, “I’ve been very impressed with this program so far. My own experiences have all been very positive.”

Program participants will meet quarterly to collectively address subjects of importance. They will use case studies and simulations to assist with analyzing issues faced by academic administrators in Tennessee higher education.

Institute participants also select a mentor from their home institution with whom they work to address issues of individual importance to the campus.

Presidents of each TBR institution nominate potential institute participants, and each class has a minimum of one representative from each of the 13 community colleges and two from each of the six universities in the TBR system.

Paula Myrick Short, the TBR’s vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, initiated the program, and it is directed by Treva Berryman, the TBR’s associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.

--Tracey LeFevre
This information posted 10 October 2005