The Wabash Center's Dialogue On Teaching

Administration - Not for Everyone: Willie James Jennings

The Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion

Willie James Jennings is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Systematic Theology and Africana Studies at Yale Divinity School. 

Administrative duties are a work of care for the thriving of all in the community. Being a good administrator requires the ability to think organizationally, and the willingness to prioritize nurturing faculty, students, and staff. Effective leaders are capable of visioning for the future of the institution. Good leaders have a heart for their people, even those people who they do not agree with or like. Good leaders have an exit strategy.