The transition from faculty to administration in higher education is a multifaceted journey influenced by individual backgrounds, experiences, academic disciplines, politics, and relationships. This essay explores the nuanced experiences of three female university leaders—representing the fields of law, education, and science—as they share insights, challenges, and best practices in navigating this pivotal transition. Given the underrepresentation of women and historically excluded groups in higher education leadership positions (Ford, 2016; Morley, 2013), this work seeks to contribute to the limited body of knowledge surrounding effective strategies for supporting and promoting diversity in academic leadership roles.
Connections Are Everything: Putting Relationships at the Heart of Higher Ed
As academic leaders, we are under so much pressure to deliver—enrollment targets, strategic plans, graduation rates, AI policies, and on and on—that we can lose sight of what our students