As she steps into her first year as a department chair, Dr. Rebekah E. Piper has joined a select group of academic leaders from across the country to strengthen the skills needed successfully navigate today’s evolving higher-education landscape.
Piper, an associate professor who was named chair of the Department of Curriculum & Instruction in October, has been selected to participate in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ (AASCU) Department Chair Leadership Institute (DCLI). The competitive, semester-long program is designed to develop and support academic leaders at public colleges and universities nationwide.
One of just 37 higher education leaders chosen for the current DCLI cohort, Piper represents one of only four institutions from Texas—and the only university from San Antonio—selected for the program. She recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to take part in a two-day professional development experience that launched the institute.
“Because this is my first year as chair, I’m really interested in leadership training and support,” said Piper, who has been at the University for nearly a decade. “My number one priority is to ensure that I am equipped with the practical tools and skills needed to manage the day-to-day responsibilities of the role. I’m also looking forward to connecting with other department chairs and building a strong professional community.”
The AASCU is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association representing more than 500 regional public colleges, universities, and systems. The organization’s semester-long institute emphasizes leadership skill development, peer learning, and the creation of a supportive national network of academic leaders. Participants engage in structured learning experiences designed to help department chairs navigate institutional challenges and strengthen their departments.
Piper is deeply committed to advancing equity in education. Her research and teaching focus on literacy education, pre-service teacher preparation, children’s literature, and multicultural education—areas that align closely with the University’s mission to serve its students and community.
“I always encourage members of my team to participate in external leadership programs, and the DCLI is a high-level, national platform that aligns with the University’s mission of excellence,” said Dr. Emma Savage Davis, dean of the College of Education & Human Development, who recommended Piper for the program. “It’s all about growing the next generation of leaders and preparing them for future opportunities.”