Connect Session (Commissions and Councils ONLY)

Leading Well and Leaving Well, The Art of Leadership Transitions

Presenter(s)

James Petrovich, PhD

Professor and Founding Department Chair
Carroll College Department of Social Work
Diane B. Mitschke, PhD, LMSW (she/her/hers)

Professor
University of Texas at Arlington
Stacey Borasky, Ed.D, MSW

Dean, MSW Program
Chamberlain University
Sherrill L. Sellers, PhD, MA

Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Excellence and Innovation
Miami University
Eugenia L. Weiss, PhD, LCSW (she/her/hers)

Associate Dean & Associate Professor
University of Nevada, Reno
Teri Kennedy, PhD, MSW, ACSW, FGSA, FNAP

Ida Johnson Feaster Professor of Interprofessional Practice and Education
University of Kansas Medical Center
Catherine A. Simmons, PhD, LCSW (she/her/hers)

Professor and Chair, UCCS Dept of Social Work
University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)

This Council on Leadership Development Connect session explores key considerations in leadership transitions within social work education, highlighting the need for effective leadership during this pivotal time. Panelists will discuss strategies for fostering continuity, innovation, and inclusive practices, while addressing challenges and opportunities in navigating evolving academic and societal landscapes.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:

Upon completion, participants will be able to describe common challenges faced during leadership transitions in social work education and develop a deeper understanding of the key issues involved, such as maintaining program continuity, managing faculty expectations, and fostering institutional stability.
Upon completion, participants will be able to identify strategies and frameworks for creating effective succession plans and communicating during leadership transitions.
Upon completion, participants will be able to define strategies for effectively welcoming and integrating new leaders into their roles, while also providing them with the necessary support to navigate the complexities of leadership transitions.