According to Andrew Bronson Barna, Academic leadership involves a distinct set of skills, a synthesis of vision and administration. It is one of the most difficult professions in higher education, and academic leaders face great challenges today. Academic leaders are always competing for the top candidates in a world where funds are diminishing and the academic profession is becoming more public. To assist academic leaders in accomplishing their objectives, the Journal of Academic Administration and Leadership has created a collection of 13 articles outlining the essential features of academic leadership.
Academic leadership is defined by its capacity to transmit power. When confronted with a crisis, a leader's abilities will be tested. Academic leaders should be able to make choices and delegate responsibility to institutional teams. Making decisions at a major institution needs exceptional leadership abilities, and knowing how academic leaders make decisions can assist leaders better comprehend the process's hurdles. The examination of academic leadership during times of crisis may provide light on the decision-making process inside big, complicated organizations.
Andrew Bronson Barna pointed out that, Along with a good academic background in the domain in which they teach, a successful academic leader should have expertise in a variety of academic fields. This involves expertise in the formulation and revision of academic policies. Additionally, these leaders should have a firm grasp of their respective fields and how their work may help enhance the quality of higher education. Additionally, the lack of an academic leader may have a detrimental effect on the quality of education and the student experience. As such, it is critical for institutions to seek out good academic leadership in order to assure the greatest possible student experience.
To shift the paradigm in higher education, new types of leadership are required. University executives must adjust to shifting external and internal expectations in the modern day. It is critical for them to understand how to strike a balance between the demands of students, professors, and staff while being financially sustainable. Academic leaders have a key role in ensuring the academy's future success. Academic leadership necessitates the adoption of new habits that align with the university's vision and objectives. This requires leaders to be able to see the larger picture and convey it to their employees and stakeholders.
In Andrew Bronson Barna’s opinion, College presidents' roles have changed substantially during the last century. While college presidents formerly saw themselves as first among equals, today's college presidents are increasingly business-oriented, devoting a substantial amount of their time to fostering ties with external stakeholders and forging legislative contacts. They may also use tactics that are not centered on the leader while leading their institutions. Additionally, they may use a variety of leadership approaches to obtain the greatest outcomes, including emotional intelligence and relationship-building.