Kiernan Mathews

Since 2005, the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education’s (COACHE) Faculty Job Satisfaction Survey has been systematically listening to faculty and, campus by campus, revealing inequities in the faculty experience.

In a prior essay, I described five “growing edges” of chief academic officers -- that is, the challenges for which their careers have left them (so they have told me) least prepared.

At recent meetings where chief academic officers can be found, I have asked two questions of the university provosts and liberal arts college deans whom I’ve convened over fine food and wine: What’s been your sharpest “growing edge” as a chief academic officer? What were the attributes of your best learning experiences as an academic professional?