REFLECTIONS ON LEADERSHIP
In late August, the Department of Chemistry at Northwestern University will experience a leadership change. Teri Odom has faithfully served as our Department Chair for six years, and it is time for her successor to step up. Six years is a long tenure for leading a high-performing, complex organization like ours. Typically, department chairs serve three years, with some renewing for a second term. Teri’s dedication to the Department and her colleagues drove her to renew her appointment, and the impact of these terms will continue beyond her tenure.
Having worked closely with Teri, I have a unique perspective on her time as Chair. The position often appears thankless, requiring the qualities of a selfless leader. While there are many traits to highlight, I'll focus on a few.
Strength
Teri demonstrated the courage to take risks and challenge colleagues in her pursuit of expanding faculty excellence. As Chair, she oversaw the recruitment of thirteen outstanding faculty members, including Shana Kelley and Ted Sargent, whose prestigious work in biomedical engineering (Kelley) and materials chemistry (Sargent) has strengthened the department’s programs. She also facilitated the recruitment of Songi Han, enhancing capabilities in magnetic resonance instrumentation and expanding the department’s core facility, IMSERC.
Her time also included the recruitment of six junior faculty and four teaching line faculty, carefully curating a talented group of chemists to build on Department strengths while addressing areas needing improvement. Faculty recruitment is a pressure-filled process filled with long timelines and significant expenses. It also involves navigating complex interpersonal dynamics, as each new hire shapes Northwestern Chemistry’s culture and future success. Teri’s tenacity and strong negotiating skills were crucial in managing these dynamics among over 30 esteemed faculty members. The thirteen new faculty members hired under her leadership are expected to foster continued collaborative success in the Department for many years to come.
Patience
Teri understands that people are not perfect but can be inspired to strive for excellence. This quality is evident in her interactions with colleagues and university leadership as she works to establish a department that sets the international standard for interdisciplinary chemical excellence. During Teri’s six-year tenure, projects like our new Graduate Student Community space faced significant delays. While the frustration was palpable, she understood these delays were unavoidable and often advised patience. This patience was frequently demonstrated when addressing complex issues with colleagues or university offices, such as coordinating interdisciplinary research initiatives or navigating administrative hurdles. In our weekly one-on-one meetings, she might give a slight shrug with a sheepish smile and say, "I know, but let’s be patient. They’ll get there.” And often, they did.
Sensitivity
Teri showed true empathy for the human condition while maintaining a focus on Departmental excellence. During her tenure, our community experienced dramatic life events and setbacks. Her second year saw the Department pivot due to the Covid pandemic. This involved over 30 research labs halting operations and transitioning 300+ graduate students and more than 1,500 undergraduates to virtual education. Research slowed, and the impact on productivity and social well-being was deeply felt. Teri was attentive during this time to ensure people received the support they needed. In her desire to support and honor the hard work of our graduates, she organized a virtual Chemistry Graduate Recognition Ceremony, including a way to virtually "hood" the students.
The Department has experienced births, deaths, major medical events, retirements, and more. Through these six years, Teri has held Chair Talks to assess department staff needs, written tributes for emeriti faculty who passed and held listening sessions to understand students' struggles. Throughout these important day-to-day tasks, she maintained her focus on the mission of Department excellence, ensuring any changes would lead to positive outcomes rather than unintended disruptions.
Teri daily demonstrates the qualities of tenacity, flexibility, establishing priorities, and expecting accountability. Since 2018, in addition to serving as Department Chair, her professional accomplishments have included serving as Editor-in-Chief for Nano Letters, publishing over 85 papers from the Odom Group, and receiving some of the highest scientific honors including election to the National Academy of Sciences, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the RSC Centenary Prize, and the John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship. Alongside her Departmental and professional accomplishments, she maintained a work-life balance, impacting the lives around her as a mom, wife, daughter, coach, professor, and mentor.
Personally, I can attest to the positive impact she’s had on me. Thank you for your selfless service, sage counsel, leadership, and most of all, your friendship. I look forward to continuing to work with you as an esteemed faculty member of our Department in the coming years, Teri!
Richard Dodd, Managing Director