On Becoming a Woman Leader: Learning from the Experiences of University Presidents

Susan R. Madsen, Utah Valley University

Abstract

On Becoming a Woman Leader is a groundbreaking book that focuses on the experiences of ten extraordinary women leaders in higher education. The book explores how these women developed the knowledge, skills, and core competencies that helped them obtain and maintain positions of influence within the academy.

Based on years of research, this book provides an analysis of the data gathered from extensive interviews with university presidents. These women offer candid information about their lifelong journey to becoming leaders. They reveal their childhood and adolescent experiences including facts about their personality, schooling, activities, leadership positions, employment, influential individuals, significant events, opportunities, awards, recognitions, college plans, and goals. The discussion about the leaders' college years provides insight into what influenced their leadership development, decisions, and perspectives.

On Becoming a Woman Leader examines the leaders' career paths from first professional jobs to their current positions, placing particular emphasis on the skills developed at each level. The book provides details about the individuals who influenced these women throughout their careers and reveals the experiences—activities, situations, and opportunities—that the presidents believe were most beneficial for their growth as leaders. The author also includes pertinent information about the presidents' leadership motivations, styles, and philosophies. At the conclusion of the book, the presidents offer their personal leadership development advice.

On Becoming a Woman Leader offers a guide for personal growth as well as a wealth of ideas that can help develop the kind of women leaders that will truly make a difference in their communities.