Answering the Call

Reviews / Votes

"The initial volume is a collection of essays by women who serve as presidents of major universities and colleges throughout the United States who share their wisdom about the challenges they face in a historically male-dominated profession. It highlights women's ability to balance work and life as well as succeed in this context by developing alternative management strategies that are applicable for men and women leaders alike."

Julia M. Speller, Chicago Theological Seminary

Teaching Theology and Religion

"The book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the stories behind the successes of prominent African American women leaders, and contains valuable lessons about leadership in context and in general."

On Campus with Women

"Tells the stories of seven African-American women-five current or former college presidents and three who are devoted to leadership in higher education policy venues at state and/or national levels. Each lived through the pre-Civil Rights era and has firsthand experience in the movement's resulting societal changes. The authors hope their subjects' stories will inspire the next generation of women to answer the leadership call.

One memorable chapter shares how, in 2005, Marvalene Hughes ended her 11-year tenure as president of California State University, Stanislaus, to come to New Orleans and head up Dillard University. About two months later, Hurricane Katrina hit. She returned after the storm to more than $400 million in campus damages-and a 'totally wounded community' to care for. Many people have written to her, saying they had wondered why she had chosen Louisiana over California. After Katrina, reports Hughes, 'they said, "That is it." I have begun to believe it as well. And it is in that believing that I am able to recommit, to give my very best effort to moving the university forward.' "

UBDaily (University Business)