As higher education continues to navigate rapid change, political pressures, and important challenges, a new book from CSWE Press argues that social workers are uniquely equipped to provide dynamic leadership.
“Positioning to Lead: Social Work Educators in Administrative and Leadership Roles,” written by Nancy Kropf and Sara Sanders, is a resource for social work faculty and administrators who are considering academic, institutional, and professional leadership roles.
Drawing on research-informed narratives and their personal experiences in key administrative positions, Kropf and Sanders explore higher education career paths and examine the connection between social work and success in these specialized leadership roles. They argue that many of the core skills social work demands—systemic and strategic perspectives, interpersonal skills, political savvy, and a tenacious approach to the job at hand—are exactly the skills needed for effective on-campus leadership.
Drawing on research-informed narratives and their own experience in key administrative posts, Kropf and Sanders explore higher education career paths. They examine the connection between social work and success in specialized leadership roles, and they offer insights on how and when to pursue leadership opportunities.
Considering both the profession and the challenges facing higher education, the authors make the case for more social workers in institutional leadership and for social work values to inform institution-level decision-making.
The book made its debut in October at CSWE’s Annual Conference in Atlanta—where it was the conference’s best seller—and is currently available in the CSWE Bookstore.