Servant Leadership: A Model for Future Faculty and Future Institutions

Abstract

The prospect of the comprehensive transformation of higher education provides the special opportunity to consider a new model for future faculty and future institutions. The model proposed and explored in detail is servant leadership as espoused and advocated by Robert Greenleaf. That model offers at least five dimensions for the consideration of both faculty and their institutions: 1. Identity: the curtailment and redirection of ego and image; 2. Leadership: the employment of the old Roman standard of primus inter pares; 3. Reciprocity: the circular relationship between leaders and followers, teachers and students; 4. Commitment: the absolute devotion to the academic discipline; and 5. The Future: the alignment of faculty and institution.