Commentary: The universe and the university: Physics preparation for academic leadership

Crawford offers insights about how physics education prepares professionals for academic leadership. According to him, his physics background equipped him for roles as dean, vice president, and president. He acquired the mind-set and skills to manage the major topics of concern in those positions: complexity management, data-driven decision making, design and long-range planning, communication, globalization, and diversity and inclusion. The author shares various realizations thought to him by physics which include managing complexity, driving with data, transcending barriers, designing with purpose, communicating with integrity, and engaging diversity.