Chair of Communication and Media Dept. Writes Book to Help Other Chairs

Chair of Communication and Media Dept. Writes Book to Help Other Chairs

The role of department chair is unlike many other managerial positions. No one knows that better than Dr. Benjamin Myers, chair of the Department of Communication and Media, who decided to lend his expertise on the position in the form of a new book.

"This book was born from my 12 years of experience as a department chair at three universities," Myers said. "This is not a typical 'how-to' book. Instead, it's an invitation to reflect more deeply on what it means to be a leader in academia."

The book, titled "The New Department Chair: 100 Daily Reflections for Mindfully Designing Your Term," ($34, Amazon) is structured as a series of daily reflections that encourage chairs to more closely consider their approach, as well as encourage a more intentional design of their terms.

The idea for his book came to Myers after reading something similar.

"When I first became a department chair, I was given 'The College Administrators Survival Guide'," he said. "While it offered valuable advice, I realized that survival alone is not enough - we are not at our best in survival mode. Chairs need tools to help them thrive and lead effectively. This realization, coupled with my experiences at UToledo, inspired me to create this book as a resource to help new chairs succeed."

To craft the book, Myers spoke to several of his colleagues on campus to gain more critical insights on the matter.

"When writing this book, I thought of new department chairs who often feel overwhelmed and unsupported," he said. "I wanted to create something that could help them navigate the challenges of the role with confidence and clarity while fostering a mindset of reflection and growth."

Myers said he wanted to provide a resource that encourages chairs to find meaning and lead with intention.

"I've seen firsthand how challenging - and rewarding - the role of department chair can be. Many chairs step into the role without much preparation or guidance, leaving them to learn through trial and error," he said. "I wanted to share this advice to help chairs shorten the learning curve and feel less alone in the process. My hope is that this book serves as a companion, offering not only practical guidance but also moments of reflection that allow chairs to approach their roles with purpose and confidence. Leadership can be isolating, but with the right tools and mindset, it can also be incredibly meaningful."