In higher education, there’s an unspoken expectation that faculty and administrators should stay at one institution for decades, slowly climbing the ranks. But in today’s rapidly evolving academic landscape, job mobility should be seen as a strength, not a liability. Moving between institutions isn’t about disloyalty—it’s about growth, innovation, and bringing new perspectives to the field.

Higher education thrives on new ideas, yet institutions often struggle with stagnation. Faculty and administrators who move bring fresh approaches to research, teaching, and leadership. They introduce best practices from other institutions, challenge outdated norms, and spark much-needed innovation.

Unlike many industries where promotions are frequent, higher education often requires external moves for meaningful career advancement. Tenure and promotion timelines can be rigid, and leadership opportunities are often limited at any single institution. Moving allows professionals to take on new challenges, expand their expertise, and reach their full potential.

Changing institutions broadens professional networks, fostering collaborations that can lead to groundbreaking research, cross-institutional partnerships, and stronger professional development opportunities. Higher ed is built on intellectual exchange, and mobility strengthens these connections.

Every institution has unique strengths, challenges, and cultures. Staying in one place for too long can lead to misalignment between personal career goals and institutional priorities. Moving allows faculty and administrators to find environments where their skills and expertise can have the greatest impact.

Unfortunately, many institutions only offer significant salary increases when hiring new employees rather than rewarding long-term faculty and staff. Job mobility is often necessary for professionals to receive fair market value for their contributions.

Other industries embrace career moves as a sign of ambition and adaptability. Higher education should do the same. In a world where students are encouraged to be lifelong learners and adaptable professionals, academia should practice what it preaches.

Instead of questioning why someone moves institutions, we should be asking: What have they learned? What perspectives do they bring? How will their experience strengthen their new institution?

Job mobility isn’t a sign of instability—it’s a sign of ambition, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous growth. In an era where higher education faces immense challenges, institutions should welcome professionals who have broadened their expertise through diverse experiences.