On behalf of the faculty in the Department of Educational Foundations
involved in the development of a new leadership program to certify school
principals, I submit the following brief description for an academic
theme.
Leadership for the Twenty-first Century
Conflict, economic problems, ecological disasters, educational inequities
and moral malaise or progress, prosperity, well being and spiritual
renewal? What kind of leadership is needed to move humankind toward the
latter? We propose the topicof leadership for the twenty-first as the
academic theme for 1999-2000.
There is considerable discussion these days about a "paradigm shift" from
domination to cooperation, from power over to power with and from power
from without to power from within. Is this perceived shift wishful
thinking on the part of humanists? Is it a major change in human
intellectual and psychological development? Are there individuals,
groups or cultures who actually espouse and/or use a leadership style
which reflects the "shift"? Is this shift related to quantum physics;
acquisition of a global perspective in communications, geography and
human rights; and changing political realities? Does the reality of a
virus in Africa becoming a global epidemic stimulate renewed concers for
self preservation through community? Is this perceived paradigm shift in
leadership equally applicable in all contexts? Will our graduates emerge
as leaders in their communities, in government, in shools, in research,
in creative expression, health care and economic development under a new
paradigm? These questions suggest there is reason for interest in this
theme related to a very broad spectrum and, therefore, most disciplines.
Our department has a special interest in this theme because we expect
final approval of a new masters degree in educational leadership this
year. Our first cohort will probably be graduating in the academic year
1999-2000 and we will be pleased to orchestrate a campus wide focus on
leadership. We appreciate consideration of this theme and further
discussion regarding its merits. Return to Faculty Senate Home Page Return to MU Home Page