Roles, Responsibilities, and Outcome Expectations of Endowed Chairs in Nursing

Abstract

This study, using a modified Delphi approach, examines the purpose, roles, responsibilities, and outcomes of endowed chairholders in nursing. Deans and faculty who hold endowed chairs participated in this 3-phased study. While the ranking of importance varied between these 2 groups of experts, common themes emerged relative to the phenomenon under investigation. Findings from this preliminary work can be used by deans and chairholders to develop job descriptions and evaluate the impact of endowments in a program of nursing.

Impact of an Innovative Endowed Chair Program on Medical Educator Recipients

“…Endowed chairs in academia support establishing a career path within a discipline by raising the visibility of role models and mentors. 1,2 In health sciences professions, endowed chairs are a tangible way for universities to acknowledge individual contributions to biomedical science or educational programs; provide credibility to a researcher or academic leader; and demonstrate commitment by the institution to the research agenda, program, or specialty. [2][3][4] University support via endowed chairs is a metric for the academic health of a medical specialty.…”

“…8,9 Once awarded, endowed chairs often have an unlimited term. 1 While programs focus on rewarding outstanding researchers or leaders in disciplines, some chairholders address thematic areas such as entrepreneurship, especially in fields outside of medicine. 10 Organizations may develop endowed chair programs or be stimulated to do so as examples of good leadership.…”

The Florence Schorske Wald Professor of Nursing Endowed Chair

“…Bushy and colleagues surveyed deans and faculty who hold endowed chairs to examine their perceptions of the purpose, roles, responsibilities, and outcomes of endowed chairholders in nursing. Thirty deans and 41 professors in endowed chairs participated in a three-phased study using a modified Delphi approach (Bushy, Dunkin, & Stover, 2005). Although there were differences in priorities of responsibilities, both groups identified common themes as summarized in Table 1.…”

The community college nursing director: A leader in the community college and nursing profession

“…Finally, serving as role models and leaders at academic institutions by contributing to the institution's strategic plan, mission, and philosophy are all key roles and responsibilities for the nursing director or academic leader to assume in these types of positions (Tartavoulle et al, 2011). Bushy, Dunkin and Stover (2005) asked endowed chairs and university deans about their main roles and responsibilities. Themes identified were similar to those found for academic nurse leaders.…”

“…Other roles and responsibilities included developing collaborative relationships, writing annual reports of accomplishments, and increasing the visibility of the institution (Bushy et al, 2005). Serving in a teaching role and participation in national/international leadership activities were listed as additional responsibilities (Bushy et al, 2005). In general, roles and responsibilities are similar in regards to nurse leaders in institutions of higher education.…”