Chair Responsibilities, Leadership, & Departmental Culture

Effective leadership begins with a clear understanding of the full scope of your charge—what is expected, how authority is delegated, and the boundaries within which you are empowered to act in service to the university’s mission.

A department chair is the academic and administrative leader of a department, responsible for guiding its scholarly direction, supporting faculty and student success, and ensuring alignment with the mission of Arkansas State University. The chair manages resources, upholds academic standards, fosters collaboration, and addresses challenges with transparency and integrity. In the spirit of effective leadership, the chair balances vision with day-to-day stewardship—creating an environment where faculty can excel and students can thrive.