Process
I find that my clients benefit from the following general process.

The process is easily summarized In my motto for Sage Leader: Knowledge | Reflection | Wisdom. These are the hallmarks of effective leadership.

General Benefits
When you work with me, you will receive the following benefits:
·      Absolute confidentiality. I will never divulge the content of our interactions to your employer or any third party (unless you indicate an intention to harm yourself or others).

·      Respect. I will respect your experience and opinions as I learn more about the culture and policies that pertain to your situation.

·      Enhanced clarification. I will ask questions that help you clarify your situation and the options that are open to you. 

·      Creative reflection. You will receive guidance, based on experience, in determining realistic, appropriate responses to your challenges.

·      Encouragement. You will be encouraged to implement the wisest course of action you have selected after clarifying and reflecting on realistic options.

·      Evaluation. Together, we will assess the degree to which your decisions and actions have succeeded in order to develop more effective approaches for the future.

Typical Service Areas for Provosts, Academic Vice Presidents, and Chief Academic Officers
Newly appointed or experienced chief academic officers can receive coaching services in one or more of the following areas:
·      Assisting the president in carrying out the educational mission of the institution
·      Supervising deans and other divisional academic administrators

·      Collaborating with other senior administrators—chief financial officer, chief information technology officer, chief advancement officer, officer for enrollment management, etc.—in providing resources and implementing institutional policies and procedures

·      Ensuring that general and specialized accreditation and governmental regulations are met

·      Coordinating and implementing strategic planning for the institution

·      Creating and implementing programs to support and promote women and persons of color to positions of higher authority

·      Responding to issues, complaints, and disputes regarding matters of public concern

·      Representing the institution’s academic programs to the public

·      Submitting final recommendations for faculty hiring and promotion to the president and governing board for their consideration and action

·      Submitting final recommendations for the granting of degrees and other certifications to the president and governing board for their consideration and action

·      Relating to the president, members of the governing board, government and community leaders, prominent alumni/ae, media representatives, and the general public

Although the above list might appear to be merely a brief summary of duties and expectations for chief academic officers, all can become flashpoints of conflict and dispute that call for resourceful and wise leadership.

Appointments and Cost
In my experience, those who seek my assistance do so only when faced with serious, often complex problems of a personal or institutional nature. Therefore, I require clients to book at least two sessions at first, with additional sessions possible as needed.

Following a free 30-minute discovery meeting, the first two 50-minute appointments should occur within 30 days of one another. In addition to these personal meetings, I will research your institution's policies and culture. I will also investigate external sources of information and best practice needed to address your issue(s).

Total cost for the first two 50-minute personal meetings and any research as needed is $500. Each appointment will be booked separately at $250 each. Additional appointments may be scheduled as needed for a fee of $250 each. Fees are payable in advance at the time of booking.

Disclaimer
Purchasing services or materials from Sage Leader indicates acknowledgment and acceptance of my declining to provide the following services:
·      Legal advice or recommendation

·      Mental health counseling or advice

·      Representation of the client to the client’s employer, government agency, or any other third party

A Brief Word About Me
After completing studies at Wabash College (B.A., English), Southern Methodist University (M.Div.), and the University of Chicago (M.A., Ph.D.), I taught religious studies and humanities. I also served as an undergraduate dean, academic vice president, and graduate dean. After retiring from academia, I ran my own writing and consulting business. In June 2022, I launched a higher education, free subscription newsletter, Higher Ed Success. I live with my spouse and our cat in Raleigh, NC.