"There is so much to be gained from this pocketbook of wit and wisdom from an academic leader. Stepniak uses a whimsical approach to capture the depth of effective leadership in higher education. This should be read by every academic leader who wants to transform the landscape of post-secondary education. It is a dictionary that has a profound impact on one's leadership."
-Diann Cameron Kelly, Associate Provost, Adelphi University
"Don'ts for Deans and Academic Leaders is full of wisdom and sound advice, shared with a healthy sense of humor and engaging style. Informed by Stepniak's keen awareness and vast experience, this creative dictionary is well-suited for all in academia."
-Karin Thompson, Department Chair, Andrews University
"Michael Stepniak's quick-answer handbook on great administrative tips and tricks for higher education executives is a must-have for any department, school or college chair, director, or dean-the newly minted, or the grizzled and seasoned. Using both his significant experience in the field, as well as a knack for wit and intuition, Stepniak has delivered a series of well-documented common daily dilemmas with meaningful, clear, and very succinct solutions. My copy does not sit on my shelf, but instead is dog-earedly open on my desk-every day."
-Tayloe Harding, Dean, University of South Carolina
"As a longtime denizen of the world of higher education, Michael Stepniak is eminently qualified to provide what he does here. A temperate, telling, and timely guide to administrators including chairs, directors, deans, and provosts on how to make the most of the time they serve."
-Barbara Kellerman, Fellow, Center for Public Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School
"An essential guide for faculty moving into administrative positions. I truly wish this book existed when I went into administrative leadership twenty years ago. It's an insightful, humorous, and humanistic guide that will prove invaluable to anyone navigating the labyrinth of academic leadership."
-Bryon Grigsby, President, Moravian College