Inter-Institutional Collaboration through Non-Positional Leadership: A STEM Higher Education Initiative

Abstract

This chapter traces how non-positional faculty led an inter-institutional STEM initiative. Starting with one faculty member’s seed idea, the chapter traces how that idea grew into a vision and that vision into an agenda and that agenda into a joint, sustainable STEM concentration. The initiative was organized around Bolman and Deal’s (2008) framework for making sense of an institution and for leading organizational change through an awareness of multiple lenses. The faculty member who initiated the vision analyzed the institution and her place in that institution. Building from her strengths, she sought to enhance her intellectual, emotional and communication skills. Understanding organizational complexities, Dr. C became involved across campus to build relationships and trust, which then led to the formation of a committed STEM team. The STEM team set a clear agenda and pursued cross-campus ownership and collaboration, all the while maintaining respect for diverse opinions, political interests and concerns. Challenges, pitfalls and setbacks, though initially painful, confusing, and disheartening, led to reflection, and most often, became opportunities for realignment and clarity. Though non-positional faculty led the effort, it was cross-campus collaboration that made it possible, and the final approval of the administration made it a reality.

Citation

Cianca, S. (2016), "Inter-Institutional Collaboration through Non-Positional Leadership: A STEM Higher Education Initiative", University Partnerships for Academic Programs and Professional Development (Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Vol. 7), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 55-75. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2055-364120160000007013