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Kevin Dettmar

Contributor
Pomona College

Kevin Dettmar is W.M. Keck professor of English and director of the Humanities Studio at Pomona College. His forthcoming book is The Department Chair’s Companion: Practical Advice for Faculty Leaders, due out in fall of 2026 and a sequel to his 2022 book, How to Chair a Department. More information about his work with chairs and other faculty leaders is available at his website, kdettmar.com.

Stories by This Author

Advice
By Kevin Dettmar June 26, 2025
Lessons for current and future department heads on how to succeed in this vital yet idiosyncratic role.
Advice
By Kevin Dettmar April 24, 2025
The success of new faculty members doesn’t just happen. And it begins with thoughtful onboarding.
Advice
By Kevin Dettmar March 24, 2025
Summer is in sight. How to prepare now for the coming whirlwind that ends with graduation.
Advice
By Kevin Dettmar February 5, 2025
How to cope with new work obligations raining down from central administration and onto department heads.
Advice
By Kevin Dettmar January 3, 2025
A new department head looks for some tangible signs that the time-consuming position is worth all the effort.
Advice
By Kevin Dettmar November 21, 2024
Four tips on how to balance your department-leadership role with your own scholarly and creative work.
Advice
By Kevin Dettmar October 18, 2024
How department heads can better treat applicants, especially in today’s difficult market.
Advice
By Kevin Dettmar September 20, 2024
An unhappy department head wonders about the repercussions of quitting before the three-year appointment is up.
Advice
By Kevin Dettmar August 12, 2024
What to do when half of the department loves a day of brainstorming together, and the other half hates it.
Advice
By Kevin Dettmar July 12, 2024
A department head seeks advice on collaborating with a senior leader who doesn’t play well with others.