Texas A&M University Faculty Affairs

Call for Applications

Faculty Affairs seeks applications for the Department Head Development Fellow (DHDF) cohort for AY 2027. This program is an opportunity for Department Heads to network both within the DHDF cohort and with fellows from other leadership development programs hosted by Faculty Affairs.  

  • Individually or in pairs, design programming to address issues relevant to Texas A&M Department Heads (e.g. lunch workshops, longer-form workshop experiences, or on-demand resources). 
  • As a cohort, serve as both a focus group and as contributors to a project to redesign guidance materials and our website experience for Department Heads. 
  • Participate with fellows from other initiatives in the Academic Leadership Academy hosted by Faculty Affairs. Applicants MUST be available to meet 12-2 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month during the fall and spring semesters. The Academic Leadership Academy learning community involves monthly sessions wherein current leaders examine their strengths, discuss timely challenges, explore leadership approaches, and expand their networks.  

All resulting program projects (short or long-form workshops or experiences) will be supported administratively and financially by our office. Once they complete the program, Fellows will receive $5,000 for professional development. Further, as interested, Faculty Affairs will support access to executive coaching (6 sessions with coaches we contract) during the fellowship period.

The Department Head Development Fellows Application

The following application materials are necessary to apply:

1. Cover letter containing a brief Challenge Statement and Personal Narrative: In one page or less:

  • provide a brief rationale for your interest in participating in a leadership learning community experience
  • describe an important challenge you expect many department heads face for which you would like to assist in the design of programming or resources

2. Curriculum Vitae

Applications are Due August 21, 2026

Applicants will be notified by August 28, 2026. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email them to facultydevelopment@tamu.edu.

Submit an Application

Previous Department Head Development Fellows

2025-26 Department Head Development Fellows Cohort
  • Dr. Khalil Dirani (Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development, College of Education and Human Development)
  • Dr. Erica Teixeira (Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, College of Dentistry)
  • Dr. Carlos Valiente (Department of Teaching, Learning & Culture, College of Education and Human Development)
2024-25 Department Head Development Fellows Cohort
  • Dr. Amulya Gurtu (Department of Maritime Business Administration, Texas A&M University at Galveston)
  • Dr. Jeffrey Liew (Department of Educational Psychology, College of Education & Human Development)
  • Dr. Khalil Dirani (Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development, College of Education and Human Development)
  • Dr. Mindy Bergman (Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences)
  • Dr. Katy Gonder (Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, School of Agriculture and Life Sciences)
2023-24 Department Head Development Fellows Cohort
  • Dr. Brian King (Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences)
  • Dr. Jeffrey Liew (Department of Educational Psychology, School of Education & Human Development)
  • Dr. Gregory Luhan (Department of Architecture, School of Architecture)
  • Dr. Galen Newman (Department of Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning, School of Architecture)