Associate Dean publishes article in Inside Higher Ed
An essay HFC School of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development (BEPD) Associate Dean Keambra Pierson wrote for her doctoral program became an article published in Inside Higher Ed.
“It was an assignment, and my professor encouraged me to have it published. This essay-turned-article was a portion of a bigger project about leadership development,” said Pierson, who is working on her doctorate in community college leadership at Ferris State University in Big Rapids.
“Training the Academic Middle Manager”
Pierson’s article, “Training the Academic Middle Manager,” centers on the role of associate deans in higher education. In many cases, says Pierson, such roles are not often clearly defined and those occupying them are not sufficiently prepared for them.
“I think the role is individualized or specific to institutional needs, which makes it hard but not impossible to capture,” explained Pierson. “Two-year and 4-year colleges utilize ADs differently, and the job description varies as well. You also have to consider whether it is a public or private institution, shared governance or not. It really is a very comprehensive role with so many variables that impact how the job is perceived and performed.”
Challenging herself and expanding her leadership skills
After teaching at Baker College for seven years, Pierson returned to HFC – her alma mater – as a faculty member in 2015, teaching in the Surgical Technologist program, where she was also the program director. She remained in this position until 2020 when she became the AD.
“I wanted to branch out and learn new things and meet new people. I love teaching and students, so I wanted to be in a position to support both. I want to do whatever I can to support student success. I am in the DCCL program because I want to become a better leader,” said Pierson. “I thought the AD position was a great opportunity to leave my comfort zone and challenge and expand my leadership skills. This position was particularly unique because it was outside of health and human services, which is my background, but I hoped that my experience would be transferrable and beneficial to BEPD.”
Pierson earned her associate of applied science degree in surgical technology from HFC. Transferring to Siena Heights University, she earned her bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and applied science. She earned her master’s degree in counseling from Spring Arbor University. She expects to graduate with her doctorate this spring.
Halfway through her term as AD
Pierson has been the AD since July 2020. She will be in this position until June 2023.
“COVID-19 brought about challenges that no one could have predicted,” she said. “The pandemic has shattered my expectations. I never thought I would be doing this job primarily from home. I am halfway through my term, and I am meeting faculty in person for the first time. In some ways it feels like I just started. I had the remote phase, and now I am starting the face-to-face phase.”
Pierson continued: “The remote phase allowed most of us to be more flexible and think outside the box by expanding our thinking and skills. It wasn't just me experiencing the pandemic and being isolated at home. Working remotely was new and challenging to all of us, and we are getting through it.”
She spoke about some of the challenges she has faced as AD aside from the pandemic.
“A large part of my job is operational. Sometimes it feels like crisis management and putting out fires, which means I don't have as much time for relationship building, developing programs, innovation, and so on,” she said. “It can be hard to find new faculty. Possibly because some of the positions are so specialized, but even when we hire people, despite our best efforts, it doesn't always work out. So we are always looking for qualified faculty who focus on students.”
A great experience
When her time as AD is over, Pierson plans to create a manual to pass along to her successor.
“It is possible that more people would be interested in the position if they felt prepared. I am thankful that my predecessor, Robert James, has been so willing and available to help me acclimate to this role,” she said. “I am a firm believer in faculty and leadership development. It makes people feel valued, and that leads to improved performance, increased commitment, and increased job satisfaction. There are also additional benefits: Succession planning identifies and creates qualified internal candidates, promoting a culture of equity and inclusivity by providing equitable selection processes and advancement opportunities.”
Overall, being the AD has been a great experience for Pierson.
“Everyone has been very welcoming and supportive,” she said. “BEPD is such a diverse talented group and by diverse, I mean experiences, backgrounds, talents, programs, everything. I have learned so much, but I still have much more to learn.”