Leaders in higher education are frequently promoted into roles such as department chairs, deans, and senior administrators based on academic expertise rather than formal leadership preparation. Once in those roles, many find themselves consumed by transactional responsibilities, leaving little time or capacity to lead change in transformational ways. This accepted practitioner research presentation examines how intentional leadership development can help academic leaders move beyond day-to-day operations and lead more effectively through change.
This presentation centers on a case study from the University of South Carolina Palmetto College, where a Transformational Leadership Growth Lab was developed to support campus deans and associate deans of academic and student affairs. These leaders are responsible for guiding five Palmetto College campuses across the state and, like many academic administrators, entered their leadership roles without structured training in leadership theory or change management.
Drawing on practitioner research and applied experience, the session explores how the Growth Lab model was designed to address a common gap in higher education leadership. Rather than relying on isolated workshops or abstract leadership concepts, the initiative focused on helping leaders understand and apply transformational leadership principles while navigating real institutional challenges. The research highlights how leadership development can be embedded into ongoing work, supporting leaders as they balance operational demands with the need to inspire, align, and guide their teams.
The presentation also contrasts transactional leadership, which emphasizes immediate problem-solving and task completion, with transformational leadership, which focuses on vision, culture, and long-term impact. Findings suggest that without structured development, academic leaders often default to transactional approaches, even when institutions are pursuing significant change. The Growth Lab model offers a practical framework for helping leaders develop the skills and mindset needed to lead transformation more intentionally.
Designed for higher education administrators, leadership scholars, and practitioners interested in organizational change, this session provides an applied perspective on leadership development that extends beyond one institution. Attendees will gain insights into how structured leadership initiatives can strengthen change capacity, improve alignment, and better prepare academic leaders for the complex demands of their roles.
Author and Affiliation
Susan Elkins, University of South Carolina Palmetto College
Walter Collins, University of South Carolina Palmetto College
Join us at the SAM International Business Conference to engage with this practitioner-focused research. This presentation will be delivered in person, offering opportunities for discussion, reflection, and shared learning around leadership development in higher education.
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