Book Review: Leadership and Diversity in Higher Education

Author: Dr. Dorothy Campbell, Registry Member

Reviewer: Ms. Marjorie Powell, Registry Member

In the first chapter of the book, Leadership and Diversity in Higher Education: Communication and Actions That Work by Dorothy Ige Campbell, Ph.D., Campbell sheds a light on the fact that “in the year 2014, for the first time, in U.S. history, the nation’s K – 12 ethnic minority student population is now the ethnic majority.” Dr. Campbell also quotes Svrluga (2017) who states that “Our current faculty lacks expertise in working with students of color and our resistance to diversifying our faculty means that we are not going to be ready anytime soon.” These statements are the rallying cry; the justification needed for higher education professionals to place a sense of urgency and priority to diversity and inclusion strategies. 

As important this sense of urgency is in recognizing and planning for our changing demographics in higher education, Dr. Campbell’s message also rings true across industries in general. This lack of readiness is a continuing concern for Human Resources professionals challenged with diversifying labor pipelines to face the shortages in tech, digital, health care and other emerging professions. These population shifts also leave Human Resources professionals faced with the challenge of establishing inclusive environments and developing the necessary leadership needed to harness the creativity diversity brings as well as respecting peoples’ differences.

Thus, Leadership and Diversity is a book that can be used as a primer by the higher education community and other industries alike. The book provides the reader a comprehensive blue print to follow in constructing a diversity and inclusion action plan for the institution. The book also provides readers with resources for independent study and provides guidance on how to engage in the difficult conversations necessary to address the challenges of diversity and inclusion in higher education. 

As a Human Resources executive, I would recommend this book as a part of any executive leadership education program. It is a natural fit when developing strategic academic and administrative leaders as it provides the expert knowledge and practical guidance to develop a comprehensive business plan.