Thriving in Academic Leadership

Sharmila Pixy Ferris is Professor in the Department of Communication, William Paterson University of New Jersey, USA, where she teaches in the undergraduate and graduate programs. She has served as Director for the Center for Teaching Excellence, Director of the Social Justice Project, and Graduate Director of the Media Studies program.Kathleen Waldron served as President of William Paterson University from 2010 to 2018 before retiring with emerita status. She also served as President of Baruch College in the City University of New York system from 2004-2009 and as Dean of the School of Business at Long Island University from 1998 to 2004, following a 17- year international banking career.

• Chapter 1. IntroductionChapter 2. The Educational System in Australia Chapter 3. Systemic and Empowering Leadership; Andrew Deeks Chapter 4. The Educational System in Canada Chapter 5. Leadership Through Lifelong Learning; Ross Paul Chapter 6. The Educational System in England, U.K. Chapter 7. Giving a Voice to ‘All Manner of People’; Helen Mountfield Chapter 8. The Educational System in India Chapter 9. Practicing Leadership Ethically and Mindfully; Swapna Banerjee Chapter 10. The Educational System in Ireland Chapter 11. Of Things Being Various; Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh Chapter 12. The Educational System in New Zealand Chapter 13. Leading by Developing; Robin Gauld Chapter 14. The Educational System in Singapore Chapter 15. Steward Leadership; Arnoud De Meyer Chapter 16. The Educational System in South Africa Chapter 17. Finding the balance between the picket line and the boardroom: Reflections of a transformative university leader; R. Mamokgethi Phakeng Chapter 18. The Educational System in the United States of America Chapter 19. On the Way to a University Presidency; John LombardiChapter 20. International leadership Chapter 21. Leading Internationally; Marcia Grant

One of the clues to successful leadership is the ability to sustain a narrative about an institution’s or an organization’s heritage and direction. Colleges and universities are, or should be, mission-based, student-centered, and market-sensitive, three features that lend themselves to storytelling. By relating the vision of founders and the successes of following generations, leaders can use story telling to make complex ideas comprehendible and inspire new generations. To be believable, the storyteller must demonstrate commitment to the institution and sincere reflection on its foundational principles, as well as the context for decisions and choices, while also sharing their lived experiences. The stories of and by these ten varied reflective leaders help define leadership in practice in multiple university settings and culture around the world. It is an excellent guide for those who occupy, or seek to occupy, the helm of an academic institution.