In biochemistry, especially at a research-intensive institution, setting an example and supporting the department's goals are essential components of leadership. At UNL, faculty members had a clear expectation of this: leadership that had been in the trenches and understood the specifics of the interrelated academic missions. Being merely a unit administrator cannot be considered academic leadership in a department with a strong emphasis on research. Maintaining a robust research program with undergraduate and graduate students and leading by example was essential to the development of biochemistry (e.g., see references). Supporting the educational mission and fostering teamwork. It also required proactive discussions with the deans and upper university administration, as well as ongoing engagement with the faculty, staff, and students. Meeting the requirements and achieving the faculty's vision with the assistance of the university's resources was like balancing on marbles. Biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, metabolic biochemistry, plant biochemistry, and systems biology and biochemical informatics were the primary areas in which significant faculty appointments were made following the first academic program review.
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