next »

[la_jupe]

Several years ago I was director of an academic support program at a major R1 university while working on my PhD.  I left that job because I found myself missing the kind of interaction I have with students in the classroom.  Now I've just earned tenure at my SLAC, and I find myself missing elements of my previous job--specifically, the ability to make big-picture changes in the campus atmosphere.

Recently I saw a tt position advertised that would allow me to balance teaching and administration.  I have all the experience and skills they're asking for.  My question is, will it matter that I went from administration to teaching rather than the other way around?  Do administrative skills get "old" in the same way a PhD does?  I know most people go from teaching to admin, so I'm worried that my c.v. will make me look as if I can't decide which way I'm going. 

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[dale1]

Go for it!  Make sure you get a tenured appointment or at least advanced status.

[neniaf]

I agree with Dale1; this is what cover letters are for.  You can explain that you have done and enjoyed both, and a job which combines both sounds like your idea of a dream job. 

Just think, you can go through your interviews without anyone questioning your ability to do the part of the job you have never done before!

[prof_d]

I think the expertise for teaching goes out of date faster than that for administration.  Admin is managing and that doesn't really change.  Specific rules do, of course, but if you've learned one rule...... 

If you were a research manager at an R1, you could probably return even with the growth in new rules for sponsored research. If you went to a smaller place, you wouldn't have to follow so many rules, but you could help your institution get ready for transition points as sponsored research grew.

Another possibility might be to join university communications as a science writer (or whatever you mix as expertise and admin).