Jon McNaughtan is an assistant professor at Texas Tech University where his research focuses on leadership in higher education from multiple perspectives. First, he focuses on the role and experience college presidents. In this vein he has studied how presidents are selected and their communication strategies during time of crisis. Second, he focuses on the role and work of mid-level leaders.  His work has identified the importance of empowerment and effective management strategies to increase job satisfaction and commitment in work. His goal is to enhance the practice of leadership in higher education at all levels.

Dr. McNaughtan completed a PhD with a focus on organizational behavior at the University of Michigan where he worked with faculty in both education and business. Over the last 10 years he has utilized his educational background and professional experience as a leadership consultant with aspiring corporate and educational leaders to identify and cultivate positive practices designed to expand the capacity organizations and individuals.

Coming from a long line of educators he finds fulfillment in facilitating meaningful organizational change and teaching engaged learners. He attributes his love for higher education to his tenure as an undergraduate student at Southern Utah University where he served concurrently as the Student Body President and the vice president of the Utah Student Association. During his tenure he raised funds to finish a portion of the Student Center and helped to coordinate the statewide effort to eliminate sales tax on college textbooks for the state of Utah.