Leadership in Higher Education: Opportunities and Challenges for Psychologist-Managers

This article provides ideas and recommendations for psychologist-managers seeking to transition from the private sector to institutions of higher education. We first describe the differences between the cultures of academia and the private sector and then distinguish between traditional and nontraditional leadership roles at a university or college. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by future academic leaders. Throughout this article, we describe the knowledge and skill sets that make psychologist-managers attractive candidates for campus leadership.