LGBTQ Leadership in Higher Education

Queer leadership is essential for the academy and the world, as 15 LGBTQ presidents and chancellors in higher education provide insight into their experiences and highlight the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equity in leadership.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2022
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

Why does queer leadership matter? In this groundbreaking book, the first of its kind, 15 LGBTQ presidents and chancellors in higher education offer insightful perspectives on their experiences and underscore the significance of queer leadership for the academy and the world.

Prior to the turn of the century, there were relatively few known gay or lesbian presidents in North American higher education. Mary Emma Wooley, president of Mount Holyoke College from 1901 to 1937, stands out due to the documentation of her life on campus alongside her partner, Jeanette Marks, through their love letters, which have recently been curated. Jacquelyn A. Mattfeld, president of Barnard College from 1976 to 1980, is rarely recognized for her bravery in facing sexism, heterosexism, and homophobia during her presidency. Theodora J. Kalikow, president of the University of Maine Farmington from 1994 to 2012, serves as a bridge between the few early examples and the contributors to this volume.

In LGBTQ Leadership in Higher Education, Raymond Crossman brings together 15 currently serving or retired LGBTQ presidents and chancellors in higher education to explore why, to whom, and how LGBTQ leadership matters. Writing from the unique vantage point of their lived and specific experiences as LGBTQ presidents, these current and former leaders consider whether there is something distinctive about LGBTQ leadership. They also seek to extract insights and principles from their personal stories. Moreover, the book delves into a profound question: Is being queer a superpower for these leaders, something they manage as part of their intersectional identities, or is it merely another attribute of accomplished leaders?

The authors address this question through essays spanning 12 topics, including intersectionality, mentorship, feminism, self-care, coming out, heteronormativity, and partners and spouses. These essays provide deep insights into the experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ leaders in higher education, shedding light on the importance of their leadership for creating inclusive and equitable environments.

Queer leadership matters because it challenges traditional notions of power and leadership, promotes diversity and inclusivity, and fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment among LGBTQ individuals and communities. By showcasing the experiences and perspectives of LGBTQ leaders, this book contributes to the ongoing conversation about the importance of diversity and representation in higher education and beyond. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, educators, and policymakers interested in understanding the unique challenges and opportunities faced by LGBTQ individuals in leadership positions.

In conclusion, LGBTQ leadership matters because it represents a significant shift in the landscape of higher education and society as a whole. By highlighting the experiences and perspectives of LGBTQ leaders, this book contributes to the ongoing conversation about the importance of diversity and representation in leadership positions. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, educators, and policymakers interested in understanding the unique challenges and opportunities faced by LGBTQ individuals in higher education and beyond.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 216 x 140 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421444079