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Faculty Leaders Series

The Faculty Leaders lunch series equips department chairs, division chiefs, and faculty directors with the knowledge and skills they need for success. Faculty Leaders will learn how to develop leadership skills, build community and manage people, facilitate change, and solve problems commonly encountered in their roles.


Registration and Contact: Faculty leaders will receive emails to register for each session. If you have questions, please contact Joan Johnson, Senior Director for Faculty, Office of the Provost, at faculty@northwestern.edu.

2025-26 Schedule
Time: noon-1:30 p.m., lunch provided
Table showing schedule for Faculty Leaders Series
Date and time Topic Facilitators
Oct. 6

Effective Leadership During Challenging Times  

  • Core principles, practices and behaviors that will enable leaders to be more effective and lead others during challenging and uncertain times 

Adam Goodman, Director of the Center for Leadership 

Oct. 27

Navigating Leadership During Disruption: Faculty Leaders on How They Lead through Change and Uncertainty 

  • A panel of faculty leaders who navigated the challenges of leadership during the pandemic and/or current uncertainty will discuss how they utilized skills and principles covered in the Oct. 6 session (above) to set priorities; effectively communicate and manage fear, abrupt change, and budget constraints; and foster the well-being of faculty, staff and students. 
Faculty panel
Nov. 10

Leading with Well-being for Yourself and Others 

  • Best practices and key resources for well-being, including an overview of Northwestern's Faculty Wellness Program
Jason Washburn, Director, Faculty Wellness Program
Jan. 26

Building Trust and Community  

  • How to build a positive department or unit culture, promoting trust and empathy, psychological safety and fostering well-being 
Richard Jolly, Associate Clinical Professor of Management and Organizations, Kellogg
March 2 Effective Feedback  
  • How to provide effective developmental feedback (and ensure it is well-received) in scenarios faculty leaders frequently encounter in their department or unit
Sarah Klaper, University Ombuds 
April

Managing Up 

  • Pragmatic ways to effectively manage up with your leaders 
Adam Goodman, Director, Center for Leadership