This report discusses the attributes of an effective department chair, including the characteristics of the individual and how the chair enhances the opportunity of each faculty member to do his or her job best. The roles of the department chair are many. Each role that a chair plays must in some way advance excellence in teaching and learning. This paper addresses the related issues and gives some insight into how to become an effective department chair. The ability to listen is a top quality in department chairs. Other characteristics include: the ability to transmit information in an open, honest, and positive manner, take responsibility for mistakes, be unselfish with sharing success, and be diplomatic in handling sensitive issues. Ways that department chairs can improve the ability of faculty to enhance teaching and learning follow patterns that come from allowing academic and professional freedom in the classroom, fostering faculty development activities, supporting faculty initiatives, and providing resources, guidance, and assistance when necessary. The report concludes with 15 ways that department chairs can promote effective teaching within their areas and a list of activities for the department chair to use with faculty. (VWC)