Interview with CAFE Fellow Dr. Arif Ahmed, Chair of Public Affairs and Associate Professor of Health AdministrationWhy did you want to be a CAFÉ fellow? What are you excited about?
I was intrigued by the concept of CAFE when it was first announced and the idea that faculty could design and lead programs that would then support other faculty at UMKC. I believe that my project, Department Chair Development, can enhance faculty excellence. I am excited to use my expertise in leadership development and my experience as a department chair to develop a program that will fill a major void: providing a forum for UMKC department chairs to hone their skills while forming a community of peers.
What do you hope to accomplish this year? Are there any particular goals? What do you think the legacy of your work will be?
I have developed a program proposal based on feedback from key stakeholders (chairs and administration). Once the final scope of the program is approved, the next steps will be to elaborate on the program design with additional details, recruit participants, and set in motion various logistical steps for program delivery in Fall 2022. I hope to develop a program that will be sustainable and responsive to the changing needs of the institution.
How does your research or role as faculty member inform your interest and work as a Café fellow?
I serve as the Chair of the Department of Public Affairs. I have also developed several executive leadership programs for major organizations in the Kansas City area. In 2019, I completed the University of Missouri System Manuel T. Pacheco Leadership Development Program. I have also served as facilitator/panelist in academic leadership forums and training programs. At the UM-system level, I served on the Academic Leadership Development Advisory Board. Much of my work as a CAFE Fellow is informed by the aforementioned experiences.