Kean Leaders Contribute to New Book on Women’s Leadership in Higher Education

A team of administrators and faculty from Kean University and Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU) have collaborated on a new book about the role of women in leading and transforming higher education.  

The book, Cultivating Inclusive Educational Leadership Ecosystems: Women Trailblazers and the Path Forward, explores different facets of women’s leadership in higher education, from historical context to breaking barriers. 

Kean Chancellor for International Campuses Felice Vazquez, Esq., and Assistant Vice President for Global Initiatives Jessica Barzilay co-wrote the first chapter, Global Perspectives of Women Leaders in International Education. 

Vazquez and Barzilay’s chapter specifically addresses the importance of women’s voices and leadership in global education and includes anecdotal material and best practices. 

“We have to equip students with skills, competencies, understanding and confidence that will translate across fields and endeavors,” they wrote. “Women voices and leaders are needed in international education to ensure globalized solutions to world problems.” 

Kean Senior Vice President for Entrepreneurial Education Initiatives and Acting Dean of the College of Education Sancha Gray, Ed.D., WKU Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership Midya Yousefi, Ph.D. and Executive Vice Chancellor of WKU Cary Anderson, Ed.D., all served as editors on the book. 

Anderson shared that Yousefi initially approached him about the project, and he was honored to participate due to the significance of the topic and the opportunity to support WKU faculty scholarship. 

“Women are leading the field of international education, and I don't see that changing,” he said. “It is important to hear the voices of these educators from around the world.   

The chapter also spotlights Kean University’s development of the campus at Wenzhou-Kean University and the Global Initiative unit at Kean, which has engaged thousands of Kean students with its mission of cultivating global citizens. Both are under Vazquez’ leadership. 

Barzilay and Vazquez also interviewed student Bassant Nada, who is now a Graduate Assistant in the office of Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.  

“As a woman from Egypt, where it's not common for girls to travel abroad alone, international education empowered me to break through societal expectations and pursue my dreams,” Bassant said. “Through international education, I’ve gained the skills, knowledge and mindset to pursue leadership roles.” 

Barzilay noted that the book project itself exemplifies one of its central themes – mentorship and collaboration among women leaders – as Vazquez offered her the opportunity to collaborate on the chapter. 

“It is a great example of what we suggest is needed in cultivating more female leaders in international education and higher education overall. We need mentors and we need to bring other women along with us. That is what Felice did by offering me the opportunity as a co-author,” Barzilay said. 

Published by IGI Global Scientific Publishing, the book is now available online.