Demands on institutions of higher education are constantly growing, and recent years, including the Coronavirus pandemic, have complicated academic life in unprecedented ways. The impact of complex and dynamic outside forces, from the pandemic to the interacting socio-cultural, political, economic, and technological factors, calls for strengthened leadership. Yet the 21st century has seen reduced participation by faculty in leadership roles, even though the numbers of faculty globally are rising.

Better support is needed to encourage and inspire early and mid-career scholars in pursuing leadership. Thriving in Academic Leadership provides just that, presenting informative and inspiring stories from academic leaders at colleges and universities across the world, including Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Personal and engaging, the stories speak to a broad population of academics, serving as an inspiration and guide for academics who aspire to leadership, or are currently in leadership positions, looking to climb the leadership ladder.

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.