Best of July from HigherEdJobs

Whether you’re actively job searching or simply seeking to excel at your current institution, here are some editor’s picks highlighting issues, trends, and tips from this month that may help you.

Best in Career Development, Stages, and Transitions

Feeling Stagnant in Your Career? It May Be Time To Upskill or Reskill

As employers increasingly prioritize skills over traditional credentials, professionals must adapt by continuously developing their capabilities. This article examines practical strategies for upskilling and reskilling in the early-to-mid-career stage, with a particular emphasis on experiential learning. From optimizing current job duties to leveraging institutional resources, it offers a flexible, self-directed approach to growth that fits within the busy lives of working professionals.

Best in Teaching and Faculty

Writing a Strong Teaching Statement: A Beginner’s Guide

Often considered the most challenging part of an academic job application, the teaching statement is also the best place to showcase your unique strengths as an instructor. This article provides expert advice on how to balance pedagogical philosophy with concrete classroom examples, tailor your statement to each institution, and avoid common pitfalls such as overly emotional or vague writing. Whether you’re an experienced educator or just starting, the piece provides practical guidance to help you write a compelling, evidence-based teaching statement that complements the rest of your dossier.

Best in Leadership in Higher Ed

What Sets Successful Colleges Apart: 5 Institutional Traits That Support Completion

At a time when public trust in higher education is wavering, this article highlights key institutional practices that lead to stronger student retention and graduation rates. Drawing on a national study of five diverse campuses, it outlines five shared traits — such as cross-campus goal alignment, responsiveness to student voice, and balancing academic rigor with support — that contributed to above-average completion rates. The findings offer a practical, research-informed roadmap for institutions aiming to turn intention into impact.

Best in Workplace Inclusion

A Movement: Reflections from the 15th Annual HBCU Philanthropy Symposium

The 15th Annual HBCU Philanthropy Symposium gathered over 350 attendees to spotlight the collective power, innovation, and resilience of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Drawing on insights from presidents, policymakers, and advocates, this article presents strategic discussions on student support, wellness, collaboration, and the future of HBCUs in a rapidly evolving political landscape. Emphasizing a shared mission over scarcity, the symposium championed a unified call to invest in what works — and scale it with intention.

Best in Job Search

It’s a Fantastic Job, but Is It Right for You?

Advancing in higher ed often means leaving the institution where your career began. This article offers thoughtful guidance for professionals ready to take the next step — geographically, institutionally, or in scope of responsibility. From assessing institutional fit and clarifying your goals to knowing when (and how) to involve trusted confidants, the piece outlines practical and ethical strategies for navigating executive and mid-career transitions with purpose and integrity.

Best in Higher Education Trends and Policy

As Expectations for Libraries Evolve, How Can We Rise to the Challenge?

As academic libraries take on new roles in today’s higher education landscape, library professionals are navigating shifting expectations with creativity and care. This article examines how libraries are reimagining their spaces, programs, and professional development to better support campus communities while addressing real challenges related to staffing, resources, and capacity. Drawing on insights from leaders in the field, it provides a thoughtful examination of how libraries can continue to adapt, connect, and lead.