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