Countless resources are available to help undergraduate students succeed in higher education, but what about the leaders responsible for guiding them? Effective leadership in higher education influences positive learning environments and drives institutional success. According to an article published in Educational Management Administration & Leadership, school leadership can account for up to 27% of the variance in student outcomes. Educational environments are challenging, and managing them is not easy. This is why education leaders need a specialized skill set that combines strategic planning, inclusivity and problem-solving.
The online Master of Science (M.S.) in Educational Leadership program at St. Thomas University (STU) prepares its students to develop these essential skills, setting them up to have a transformative impact on their institutions. With this degree in their pocket, higher education leaders can excel in any institutional role they hold.
Key Leadership Skills for Higher Education
Higher education leaders have many responsibilities to balance, from addressing the needs of students to implementing policy changes and fostering a positive learning environment. Earning an advanced degree in educational leadership online helps graduate students develop the necessary skills to meet these responsibilities head-on.
Through this program, students gain a deep understanding of educational leadership principles and the practical abilities they need to succeed in complex academic settings. By focusing on applying the knowledge learned in the real world, this degree equips aspiring leaders with a set of essential competencies that are highly valuable in the educational landscape of today. These seven leadership skills are particularly important in higher education today:
- Strategic planning: Effective leaders build long-term plans that align with institutional goals, allowing them to anticipate challenges and create solutions before issues arise.
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving: Leaders face daily challenges, from resolving conflicts to adapting to new technologies. Problem-solving skills help leaders identify issues and find innovative solutions.
- Inclusivity: Fostering a diverse and welcoming environment is critical to making students and educators feel welcome, heard and safe. Leaders need to build a school climate conducive to learning for all, ensuring everyone on campus feels valued.
- Adaptability: Higher education is constantly evolving. Leaders must be adaptable and ready to meet new challenges as they arise. Adaptability is essential in today’s academic environment. This past decade, specifically in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic, has highlighted the need for education leaders to change their strategies and policies along with the world around them while ensuring the organization’s educational goals are being met.
- Emotional intelligence: Emotional intelligence (EI) helps leaders connect with their teams. According to Harvard’s EdCast, EI helps leaders foster stronger relationships, communicate effectively and create supportive environments for the staff and students. Leaders with high EI can better manage stress, resolve conflicts and build trust, all of which are critical for maintaining a positive and productive learning atmosphere.
- Team building: Leaders need strong team-building skills to promote collaboration and support among faculty and staff. As highlighted by Jack Thomas, effective leaders bring together teams with diverse perspectives and create an environment where ideas are freely shared and interdisciplinary projects thrive. Strong team-building skills boost productivity, drive innovation and contribute to the overall development of both students and staff.
- Communication: Communication is fundamental to effective leadership. Academic leaders must be clear and persuasive when sharing ideas with students, faculty, staff and external stakeholders.
Preparing for a Career in Higher Education Leadership
The online M.S. in Educational Leadership program at STU teaches aspiring leaders the skills they need to become dynamic professionals ready to make a difference. The program emphasizes leadership qualities like strategic planning, adaptability and emotional intelligence so students can navigate the unique challenges of higher education leadership.
Graduates of the program have the tools to lead confidently, inspire those around them and drive meaningful change. Whether overseeing student services or developing new academic programs, graduates have the skills to impact the broader academic community.
Learn more about STU’s online Master of Science in Educational Leadership program.
