91´«Ã½

Assistant Vice Provost for Faculty Development and Support Suzanne Soled will be retiring effective June 1, as she looks ahead to her next chapter beyond 91´«Ã½.

Soled has served the Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA) since January 2016, when she was hired to lead the campus’ efforts in enhancing faculty relations and promoting professional conduct in faculty life. Recognizing the need for a more proactive approach, she expanded her role by establishing ±è°ù´Ç²µ°ù²¹³¾²õÌýthat prioritized faculty professional development, mentorship and community-building. 

Reflecting on her impact, Vice Chancellor Michele Moses shared, "Suzanne helped to improve faculty culture at 91´«Ã½ by inspiring academic leaders to act with duty and care, especially given their roles in guiding and mentoring their colleagues. She believed that small, right actions could build lasting change and she advised faculty on this every day. Her leadership leaves an indelible mark on our faculty community."

We sat down with Soled to look back on her time at 91´«Ã½. 

What accomplishments are you most proud of in your time here at 91´«Ã½?  

When I think about where I’ve made the biggest difference, three things really stand out.

First, I’ve worked and consulted with thousands of faculty members over the years—helping them navigate challenges, resolve issues causing conflicts, and foster a more positive and productive working environment on campus. Conflicts are a part of everyday life, but they do not have to derail relationships or progress in the workplace. 

Another thing I’m proud of is building the faculty development and support domain in OFA. We’ve built a suite of programs and trainings that not only support the professional growth, development and advancement of faculty members, but also create community-building opportunities through mentoring and networking across departments and disciplines. 

And of course, launching the Academic Leaders Institute (ALI) has been a highlight in my time here. It has become a vital resource for academic leaders at 91´«Ã½, offering guidance, orientation, onboarding and professional development to help them lead with confidence and care. 

What will you miss most about working at 91´«Ã½?  

Making a difference every day. I am a teacher, facilitator and mentor at heart. I often think of myself as a bridge, helping others overcome challenges on their journeys. Throughout my 40-year higher education career, I have been most animated by roles in which I was able to contribute to a community, to collaborate with and facilitate the work of others. Whether I was a faculty member, an academic administrator, or in this role in faculty relations, I found immense satisfaction in positively impacting the (organizations and) lives of the people I have worked with.    

Can you think of a moment or an event that really captures the essence of your work, that reminds you of why you do the job you do and the rewards of doing it?  

I mediated a challenging situation between a faculty member and an academic leader about how to work together. Six months later, I learned they had become role models for other faculty in their unit on how to work through conflict. While my help made an immediate difference for them, it ended up impacting many others and, ultimately, improving the overall culture of the unit.   

What is unique about 91´«Ã½â€™s faculty culture compared to other universities?  

I don’t know if everyone recognizes how unique and remarkable the Professional Rights and Responsibilities of Faculty Members and Roles and Professional Responsibilities of Academic Leaders (PRR) document is among higher education institutions. It has the potential to have an enormous impact on shaping a more positive working environment on campus. 

I think it is what really grounds our 91´«Ã½ faculty culture; the PRR started with faculty, through the BFA, in creating clear standards for professional conduct. But what makes the PRR stand out is how it lays out not just expectations, but also practical guidance on what to do when concerns come up. It sets a baseline for cooperation, collegiality and professionalism as a scholar, while also protecting due process rights for faculty.  

And what is especially powerful is that it is codified as an academic policy. That gave it real weight and made it part of our shared governance. The PRR provides a flexible and transparent process for addressing unprofessional conduct and emphasizes options for resolution.   

What advice would you give to someone just starting out as an academic leader today?  

I would offer five key pieces of advice: 

• Be collaborative. You’ll get better buy-in if you engage in shared decision-making.
• Be transparent, even when you have to make decisions that aren’t popular, and you will build trust.
• Invest in your people, connect with them personally, and support them professionally; everyone will feel happier and be more productive.
• Approach situations with curiosity rather than judgment. Listen to all sides before making a decision.
• Know that you are not alone! If you don’t know something, reach out. Our campus has resources to help you.   

What will you be doing in the next stage of your life?   

Being a genealogist unraveling the intricate tapestry of my family history, a memorable memoirist and the coolest, most engaged grandparent I can be! 

See also: Burke Hilsabeck named Director of Faculty Relations and Community