Succeeding as an Academic Administrator

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.-The old aphorism “Where you stand is where you sit” rings true across many sectors of society. For academic administrators, be they provosts or administrative support professionals, the level and scope of responsibilities clearly influence perspectives. Yet, having an understanding of the higher-education enterprise is essential to ensuring professional success and advancement. Such understanding is at the heart of Where You Stand Is Where You Sit: An Academic Administrator’s Handbook, a new book by Bob Smith, provost of the University of Arkansas, published by the University of Arkansas Press (paper $19.95).

Smith’s book provides keys to success for academic administrators. It addresses the three key responsibilities of academic officers: inspiration, evaluation, and representation. “Getting a Good Start” deals with the promise of a new position, communicating with supervisors and “getting around.” “Offering Inspiration and Direction” looks at the integrated scholar and “academic intrapreneurs”; diversity; the joys, challenges, and failure of professional life; and dealing with tragedies. “Guidance to Various Academic Administrators and Support Professionals” examines the development, roles and responsibilities of academic officers and institutional planning and budgeting. Reviewing the state of the institution and its personnel is covered in “Assessments and Evaluations,” and “Policies and Partnerships” deals with ethics-based policies, academic consortia and partnerships, and international outreach.

Throughout this valuable handbook, Smith offers background, advice, and examples that will interest both the novice and seasoned administrator, including those in business and management, as he takes us on a tour of success stories, challenges and foibles.

Bob Smith is provost and vice-chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Arkansas and has served as an administrator at a number of universities, including the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Connecticut. He is the author of more than 270 publications and books, including Pedestals, Parapets, and Pits-The Joys, Challenges and Failures of Professional Life. The electronic journal, All Things Academic, that he helped craft and contributes to at the University of Arkansas, has become a popular way for him to communicate with faculty and staff.