Coauthored by Carducci, Jordan Harper and Adrianna Kezar, "Higher Education Leadership" challenges conventional paradigms in the field, advocating for liberatory systemic change within and beyond higher education organizations.
In the realm of academia, where tradition often reigns supreme, a new book is shaking the foundations of conventional leadership paradigms.
“Higher Education Leadership,” coauthored by Rozana Carducci, associate professor and director of the Master of Higher Education program, is not just another textbook. It is a call to action, challenging the status quo and advocating for liberatory systemic change in higher education.
The authors embark on a courageous exploration, questioning traditional leadership ideologies that have hindered progress within the academic sphere. Their mission is clear: to resist and dismantle oppressive systems, including neoliberalism and white supremacy, within and beyond the confines of higher education organizations. Through a comprehensive examination of decades of leadership scholarship, Carducci with fellow co-authors Jordan Harper and Adrianna Kezar dissect the limitations of hierarchical and individual-centered models prevalent in higher education.
The heart of the book lies in its exploration of process-centered, shared-power, and equity-oriented leadership approaches that prioritize liberation. The authors translate classic and revolutionary theories into actionable insights, empowering both current and aspiring higher education leaders to reimagine their roles and create a more meaningful impact. By highlighting interdisciplinary leadership approaches, they pave the way for a future where oppressive structures are challenged and replaced with more equitable and inclusive systems.
The authors bring theory to life by grounding their exploration in the specific context of higher education, offering practical applications that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Their thought-provoking survey not only identifies current gaps in knowledge and methodologies but also provides a roadmap for future leadership research. By viewing leadership as both a problem to be interrogated and dismantled and a pathway to a more liberatory future, the authors open the door to powerful insights while also offering a cautionary tale.
“Higher Education Leadership” is not merely a theoretical discourse; it is a resource designed for action. Enriched with case studies, vignettes, and discussion questions, this comprehensive textbook serves as an essential guide for graduate classrooms and professionals seeking to critique existing leadership practices. More importantly, it provides the tools and inspiration needed to forge new pathways that foster equity and systemic transformation within higher education institutions.
“This book disrupts traditional approaches to leadership,” said Pamela Eddy, professor of higher education at William & Mary. “Today’s leaders must understand how neoliberal forces make change hard. The authors highlight the evolution of leadership theory/research, providing a primer on how to address racial inequities in leadership. Readers will find tips for research agendas to advance more liberatory leadership, to move ideas to practice, and to reimage shared-equity leadership.”
In a world where inclusivity, anti-racism, and equity are paramount, “Higher Education Leadership” offers a new vision for scholars and leaders committed to creating universities that reflect these values. “Carducci, Harper, and Kezar have bestowed the most wonderful kind of gift to the field of higher education. The result is a robust framework not only for understanding the contemporary landscape of higher education leadership and practice, but for helping all of us to imagine what it can and should like for a more just future,” said Leslie Gonzales, professor in the College of Education at Michigan State University.
ABOUT THE COAUTHORS
Jordan Harper, is an assistant professor of higher education and student affairs at Morgan State University. Adrianna Kezar, is a professor of higher education and the director of the Pullias Center for Higher Education at the University of Southern California.