Kara Lindaman

kara lindaman

What is your current position, and how many years have you been a dean?
Dean, College of Liberal Arts at Winona State University for two years.

What advice would you give new deans?
I worked in faculty for 18 years and in transition I learned that your relationships will change, I don’t think I prepared myself enough for it. Be patient and kind to yourself. Give yourself time to grieve those relationships. I found more joy in the job during my second year.

What would you say is your most meaningful contribution as dean?
For our institution it has to do with representation and responsiveness. I lived my best life as a faculty member and was asked to apply for the dean position. They never had a woman or person of color in a dean position. It was also an opportunity to bridge the traditional model of higher education with the contemporary needs of students.

When you think about the liberal arts, what gives you a sense of hope?
I am hopeful because when I think of the liberal arts I think of the personal relationships and connections that students and parents make with their imaginations. It leads them to their sense of mattering and happiness. The American dream isn’t all tangible—it’s how do connect to the communities I care about and live within? It seems almost disingenuous to lead students solely for financial gain. The liberal arts provide students with the opportunity to explore things that they never imagined.

Why are you a member of CCAS?
The previous dean retired and renewed our membership. I enjoy the annual meeting and find it valuable.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?
My personal stake in this work. The work will never be done and in order to have personal happiness you have find work that you enjoy. In order to be a woman and leader in higher education you don’t have to sacrifice your family and personal relationships.

What are you currently reading?
Hope Circuits: Rewiring Universities and Other Organizations for Human Flourishing by Jessica Riddell (it is my ideal for higher ed, a culture of caring that lifts everyone up).