Provost Faculty Fellows Program

OVERVIEW

The Provost Faculty Fellows program is designed to provide leadership and administrative experience for faculty members.   Fellows will assume responsibility for a focused project that supports a strategic priority of the University and become familiar with campus-wide initiatives, strategic planning, and shared governance.  They will also have opportunities to participate in leadership meetings and engage with colleagues in the Office of the Provost and other academic and administrative units.

Upon completion of the program, the Fellows will be able to:

  • A.        Describe various leadership theories.
  • B.        Identify their leadership style and its potential impact on a team.
  • C.        Discuss the different roles and responsibilities of an academic supervisor.
  • D.        Describe the key components of effective team dynamics.
  • E.         Distinguish the various techniques used to resolve conflicts.
  • F.         Apply the principles in giving and receiving constructive feedback.
  • G.        Collaborate with campus stakeholders to develop, lead, and implement a University-wide strategic initiative.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Stipend and Professional Development
The program will occur during the fall and spring semesters.  There will be six to ten Fellows who each will receive a stipend and $2,500 in professional development funds.  The Office of the Provost will also provide the department with support for a course release for the fall and spring semesters.

Leadership Component
The leadership component of the Provost Faculty Fellows Pilot program aims to foster a culture of leadership excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement among faculty members.  It will also empower them to lead with vision, integrity, and impact in support of the University’s mission and strategic priorities.

Key features of the leadership component include:

  • A.        Leadership Development Workshops – The Fellows will participate in a series of interactive workshops focused on personal leadership strengths, leadership theory and styles, roles and responsibilities of supervisors, team dynamics, conflict resolution, and giving and receiving feedback.  The sessions are led by experienced leaders from academia, industry, and the community.
  • B.        Mentorship and Coaching – The Academic Deans and external administrators will serve as mentors and coaches during the program.  The Provost will provide guidance, support, and feedback to the Fellows as they complete their projects and navigate the University community.
  • C.        Leadership Projects – The Fellows will assume leadership of projects or initiatives that address specific priorities or opportunities within the University.  These projects will focus on student success, enrollment, assessment, research, and faculty affairs initiatives.
  • D.        Collaborative Leadership Opportunities – The Faculty Fellows will collaborate with faculty from various disciplines and staff across all divisions to complete their projects.  They will also participate in various meetings to include, but not limited to, Extended Cabinet, Dean’s Council, and Chair’s Council.

ACTIVITIES BEYOND THE PROJECT

The Fellow will have an opportunity to participate in the following during the program:

  • Extended Cabinet Meetings
  • Provost Meetings with the Faculty
  • MSCHE Meetings
  • Strategic Planning Committee Meetings (applicable sub-committees)
  • Dean’s Council Meetings
  • Chair’s Council Meetings
  • Academic Council Meetings
  • Faculty Assembly
  • Senate Meetings
  • USM Meeting(s) – Academic Affairs Advisory Council (AAAC)
  • Eastern Shore Delegation Meetings 

EXPECTATIONS

The expectations are designed to ensure that faculty participants make meaningful contributions to the Provost Faculty Fellows program, enhance their professional growth, and support the mission of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

  1. Active Engagement – Fellows are expected to actively engage in all program activities, including meetings, workshops, and special events.
  2. Professional Development –  Commit to ongoing professional development by participating in training sessions, seminars, and other educational opportunities provided by the program.
  3. Collaboration – Work collaboratively with fellow participants, faculty, and administration to promote a collegial and supportive environment.
  4. Leadership – Demonstrate and develop leadership skills by taking initiative in projects and contributing to the strategic goals of the University.
  5. Project Development – Develop and implement a project that addresses a critical need or opportunity within the University, providing periodic updates and a final presentation to the campus.
  6. Communication – Maintain open and effective communication with all campus stakeholders, fellow participants, and University leadership.
  7. Time Management – Effectively manage time to balance fellowship responsibilities with regular faculty duties, ensuring all obligations are met.  Refrain from assuming any course overloads.
  8. Evaluation – Participate in assessment and evaluation of the program, providing constructive feedback to help improve future iterations.  Also, participate in self-assessment activities.
  9. Representation – Represent the Provost Faculty Fellows program and the University positively in all professional settings.
  10. Ethics and Integrity – Uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity in all activities associated with the fellowship and broader University responsibilities.

ELIGIBILITY

Fellowships are open to all full-time faculty members with the exception of the deans. Candidates must have demonstrated interest and/or experience in one of the project areas and have excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To be considered for participation in the program, applicants should submit the following to Mrs. Crystal Drayton (cmdrayton@umes.edu):

  • Contact Information – name, title, faculty rank, department, email, and phone
  • Letter of Interest – must include a discussion of 1) career goals, 2) interest in academic leadership, 3) interest in one of the projects and 4) any prior experience in one of the project areas
  • A copy of current Curriculum Vitae
  • Recommendation form signed by the Dean and Department Chair

The application period is closed for the AY 2024-25.  It will reopen in the spring for academic year 2025-26.

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