Abstract
This article outlines effective strategies for departmental leadership and institutional advocacy based on a case study from the University of Washington’s Department of Speech Communication. Emphasizing the chair’s central role in promoting departmental visibility and influence, the discussion identifies two essential requirements: active advocacy and evidence-based representation. The chair must serve as a visible and persuasive representative of the department through continual institutional engagement, cultivating relationships across administrative levels, and contributing to governance through service on committees. Equally important is the use of demonstrable evidence—teaching excellence, curricular strength, scholarly productivity, and faculty service—to substantiate departmental claims of quality. Drawing on management theory, the paper contrasts the “reflective planner” model with the realities of administrative work, depicting the effective chair as a manager who thrives on variety, interpersonal communication, and continuous problem solving. The article concludes that strong, evidence-supported leadership is indispensable to departmental success and institutional standing.
Recommended Citation
Scheidel, Thomas M.
(1987)
"Promoting the Department Within the Institution,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 59, Article 7.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol59/iss1/7
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