| Abstrakt: |
This article provides a description of an 18-month pilot program focused on the leadership development of the next generation of research administrators (RAs) in the State University of New York system (SUNY). The key questions for the evaluators were: 1) can we create a developmental program that effectively prepares the next generation of RAs; 2) what content generates the highest impact for RA leadership development; and 3) is the combination of an assigned mentor with a professional development curriculum series comprised of twelve elements an effective method of delivering the program? A pre-, mid-point and post-questionnaire, plus reflective essays were used in the evaluation of the program. The RA leadership attributes developed were: confidence, risk-taking, growth in multicultural values, and embracing multiple perspectives. Such characteristics are important traits for RAs to have in order to excel in a complex, changing, and interconnected professional work environment. Participants defined attainable career goals, acquired valuable feedback from mentors, established collaborative networks for problemsolving and advanced perceptions of self in acquiring leadership traits. Participants also practiced new leadership behaviors, volunteered more for workplace assignments, and heightened their mastery and sense of purpose at work. Overall, job satisfaction improved. The article incorporates recommendations for future mentoring programming in the SUNY system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
