While continuing to encourage the submission of manuscripts that are not focused on a specifically identified theme, the journal does occasionally plan the publication of one of more thematic issues.  Currently two thematic issues are being planned for publication in 2024.

The Academic Department Chairperson: Challenges, Lessons, and Rewards.

Although not intended to be prescriptive or delimiting, manuscripts might address any one or more of the following questions: What are the challenges/rewards of serving as an academic department chairperson? Can/should the chair’s role be seen as a career-position, or is it better viewed as a temporary responsibility? Are there especially troublesome tasks associated with the chair’s role, and are there examples of successfully addressing said tasks? To what extent and under what conditions is the academic department chair called upon to hold an institution-wide perspective and provide internal institution-wide leadership on challenging issues? Is there (should there be) some form of professional preparation for the academic department chairperson, and what type of ongoing professional development (if any) should be provided? Interested authors should not feel constrained by these illustrative questions. We are interested in good manuscripts that focus on the stated theme, either broadly or in a targeted manner. To ensure publication consideration in this special theme issue of JHEM, manuscripts should be submitted by June 1, 2023.

Envisioning the Future of American Higher Education.

Fifty years ago, higher education had some notable differences from today. Just to name three, in many institutions distance education was a pedagogical approach dependent on interactive TV; the majority of faculty at most institutions were either tenured or on the tenure-track; and, college attendance was generally thought to be good and useful, both for the student and society as a whole. The 50-year period before that saw other observable and notable differences. No doubt, change will continue. In fact, circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic may spur—indeed, require—greater and faster, unanticipated change. But, to the extent that we can predict and influence change within the higher education industry, we may be more successful in ensuring an ordered and orderly social institution that better meets the needs of students and society. We seek manuscripts that propose critically needed changes, suggest possible future scenarios, and which speak to the anticipated changing landscape of policies and social norms which will influence the continued rise or decline of American higher education. We especially seek manuscripts that offer alternative solutions to current or likely future problems facing American colleges and universities. To ensure publication consideration in this special theme issue of JHEM, manuscripts should be submitted by October 15, 2023.