heather h. wilkinson associate dean of faculties professor...

Got tenure, now what?

Heather H. WilkinsonAssociate Dean of Faculties

Professor of Plant Pathology and MicrobiologyMay 13, 2020

Set Context - Who is here?

Universal Advice for Faculty Success

Specific Advice for Recently Tenured faculty

Relating to Your Own Experiences

Set Context - Who is here?

• Conduct PollsDEFINITION – “strong ties” means a sense of belonging, integration, and shared purpose)

• Briefly Review Results

Universal Advice for Faculty Success

• Be Intentional - Plan• Reflect often• Network and Engage Colleagues• Invest in and develop yourself

• Investigate and practice characteristics expected for next rank

UNIVERSAL CHARACTERISTICS

EXPANSION EXPECTED WITH EACH RANK

• Leader• Connected• Engaged• Mentor

Specific Advice for Recently Tenured faculty• Recognize post-tenure patterns


• Pathways for post-tenure• Emotions common to post-tenure

Tamara Beauboeuf-Lafontant, Karla A. Erickson & Jan E. Thomas (2019) Rethinking Post-Tenure Malaise: An Interactional, Pathways Approach to Understanding the Post-Tenure Period, The Journal of Higher Education. https://doi-org.srv-proxy2.library.tamu.edu/10.1080/00221546.2018.1554397

https://doi-org.srv-proxy2.library.tamu.edu/10.1080/00221546.2018.1554397

Rockquemore, K. A. (2012, July 2). Mid-career emotional spectrum. Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved from: https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2012/07/02/essay-how-mid-career-academics-can-find-their-place-emotional-spectrum

https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2012/07/02/essay-how-mid-career-academics-can-find-their-place-emotional-spectrum


• Pathways for post-tenure• Emotions common to post-tenure

• Cultivate Resilience

Specific Advice for Recently Tenured faculty• Cultivate Resilience

• What is resilience?• Why cultivate resilience?• How does one cultivate resilience?


• What is Resilience?


• What is Resilience?

is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress

frequently described as capacity to “bounce back” from difficult experiences

=

COPING GRIT

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

SENSEMAKING

RESILIENCE

+

HABITS DISPOSITIONS

Know Yourself PurposefulnessUnderstand Emotions AcceptanceTell Empowering Stories OptimismBuild Community Empathy Be Here Now HumorTake Care of Yourself Positive Self-Perception Focus on the Bright Spots EmpowermentCultivate Compassion PerspectiveBe a Learner CuriosityPlay and Create CourageRide the Waves of Change PerseveranceCelebrate and Appreciate Trust


• What is Resilience?Why cultivate

resilience?Develop sustainable habits

and dispositions to enhance engagement and satisfaction as

a faculty member


• What is Resilience?• Why cultivate resilience?

• Develop sustainable habits and dispositions to enhance engagement and satisfaction as a faculty member


• What is Resilience?• Why cultivate resilience?


• Strategies and tactics that worked for the time-limitedand strictly monitored tenure process will not be appropriate for promotion to full professor and beyond

• Cultivate Resilience• What is Resilience?• Why cultivate resilience?


• It teaches us to practice focusing on what we can control

Specific Advice for Recently Tenured faculty


• What is resilience?• Why cultivate resilience?• How does one cultivate resilience?

“Cultivation” implies effortful attention

How does one cultivate resilience? Accept change – find ways to become more comfortable with change

Take charge – Take charge of your own career and development. Negotiate the best teaching and service responsibilities in alignment with your goals. Be decisive and resolve to accept the consequences – solution mindset. Adopt problem resolution techniques. Challenge perceived barriers and limiting assumptions.

Lifelong learning – new skills, new understanding, and apply in times of change

Set goals and align with purpose – track and celebrate progress, alignment essential to sustain motivation

Skill shift – seek experiences that allow you to reframe your skills, talents and interests

Reflect – fosters learning, expands mindset, and improves self-awareness

Nurture positivity – visualize goals and responsibilities with optimism and enthusiasm

Foster relationships – develop & nurture broad personal and professional networks

Honor self - Know and stay true to your values. Play to your strengths. Know how your personality intersects with self care. Honor your identity apart from your job. Take care of your body and mind. Exercise regularly. Pay attention to your needs and feelings.

How does one cultivate resilience?

……”But who has time?”



YOUe.g. All tenured TAMU faculty are eligible for faculty

development leave (FDL)



YOUe.g. All tenured TAMU faculty are eligible for faculty

development leave (FDL)

Effort for each of these suggestions improves your case, and engagement and satisfaction improve the

university

Take 3 minutes to WRITE and THINK

Consider your own experiences


Consider your own experiences • Identify the post-tenure emotions and potential

pathways you harbor and why?



pathways you harbor and why?• In which ways can you cultivate resilience to enhance

your own engagement and satisfaction?



pathways you harbor and why?• In which ways can you cultivate resilience to enhance

your own engagement and satisfaction?• What habits and dispositions would serve you best

for your goals?

Okay so…. That was the THINK

Now we will GROUP

after we will SHARE

What happens at GTNW, stays at GTNW

GROUP Instructions

1. Introduce yourselves – 2 minutes (~30 sec each) - and identify a “local time lord” and a “reporter” – ~1 minute

2. Each discuss your thoughts from the THINK, as you are comfortable - ~ 4 minutes each

3. Help the “reporter” summarize the themes and differences in your discussion ~ 2 minutes

SHARE Instructions

1. Each “reporter” speak to us about group themes and differences

2. Meanwhile – ANY or ALL of you post any insights you have from any part (THINK, GROUP, or SHARE) in the chat

Any questions?

Feel free to contact me if for consultations, coaching, or connecting to resource on campus

[email protected]

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heather h. wilkinson associate dean of faculties professor...

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