Dr. Sundar A. Christopher, professor and King-McDonald Eminent Scholars Chair in the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) department of Atmospheric and Earth Science and co-director for the UAH Laboratory for Applied Science, recently published an academic leadership book entitled Navigating Academic Leadership: How to Succeed as a Department Chair at a Research University. UAH is part of The University of Alabama System.
Christopher’s new book is intended to serve as a guide for academic professionals who seek to become department chairs or who are already in that role at a university. Previously Christopher published two other books focused on higher education topics: Navigating Graduate School and Beyond: A Career Guide for Graduate Students and a Must Read for Every Advisor (2011) and Navigating Tenure and Beyond: A Guide for Early Career Faculty (2019).
Christopher has long been passionate about developing support and mentorship for university students and faculty. His personal experiences as a department chair inspired him to write a book focused on leadership. “Often, professors find themselves in academic leadership roles without adequate training or support,” Christopher notes. “I aimed to create an easily accessible book, written in a conversational style, to assist professors in deciding whether to pursue a department chair position. Additionally, I wanted to provide guidance for those already in such roles, helping them navigate their tenure effectively.”
The writing, editing, and publication process required several years to complete. Christopher says, “The writing process was quite lengthy, and there were moments when I almost gave up. I began by outlining the chapters and then tackled them one by one.” The final version of the book includes eight chapters and over 300 pages.
While many books on academic leadership are already available, Christopher believes that the breadth of topics addressed in his book makes it unique. “I believe this book stands out because it covers the entire spectrum of serving as a department chair – from contemplating whether to take on the role, to navigating the responsibilities, and eventually to transitioning out of the position.”
Christopher hopes that readers will benefit from his approachable, thorough manner of discussing academic leadership. He says, “I would like readers to approach the book with an open mind, enabling them to make informed decisions about pursuing a department chair position. For those already in the role, I aim for the book to provide guidance in navigating the challenges they may encounter.”
Both ebook and print editions were published in April 2024 and are currently available for purchase on Amazon.
