Digital Leadership in Higher Education

“Josie gives you the tools to ensure congruence between your online and offline life so that you can be confident using social media—rather than letting social media use you."

Ken Anselment, Vice President for Enrollment & Communication

Lawrence University

“If you want to learn both the why and the how behind online leadership in higher education, read this timely book, from cover to cover—from guidance, through development, to putting principles into action, it will be your north star.”

Scott Cline, Vice President of Enrollment Management & Auxiliary Services

California College of the Arts

“What this well researched and must-read book offers leaders in higher education is the case for why they need to be ACTIVE in digital spaces. The reality is that you can either define you and your institution or let others do it.”

Miles K. Davis, President

Linfield College

“I recommend this book for every higher education leader whether you have one hundred or one hundred thousand followers. Reading it not only inspired me to review my own strategies and tactics, it also gave me purposeful questions as a chief marketing officer to put forward to our institution’s social media managers.”

Melissa Farmer Richards, Vice President for Communications and Marketing

Hamilton College

“Josie Ahlquist breaks new ground with Digital Leadership In Higher Education. The book has a wide range of ideas that meets the reader wherever they are in their digital leadership journey.”

Walter M. Kimbrough, President

Dillard University

“Josie Ahlquist brings her superb expertise in digital technology and leadership theory to empower readers to develop an open tech mindset through lively examples and engaging writing, grounded in scholarship presented with a personal and conversational tone.”

Susan Komives, Professor Emerita

University of Maryland

“What makes this book truly special, beyond the treasure trove of practical suggestions, is the emphasis on the importance of being purposeful and genuine in one’s use of digital media to support individuals and communities.”

George S. McClellan, Associate Professor of Higher Education

University of Mississippi

“Digital Leadership in Higher Education sets a new standard for our profession. Solidly researched, the book delivers critical insights and self-directed improvement exercises in an engaging style.”

Jason B. Pina, Vice President for Student Affairs

Ohio University

“Ahlquist gives higher education a much-needed guide to embracing digital leadership.”

Erik Qualman

#1 Bestselling Author and Digital Leadership Speaker

“In Digital Leadership in Higher Education, Josie Ahlquest encourages higher education professionals to be vulnerable and authentic, and provides real role models for purposeful, social engagement and education.”

Terisa Riley, Chancellor

University of Arkansas Fort Smith

“Whether you are a social media avoider or an early adopter of new platforms as they emerge, this book will be food for thought on how to create and maintain a purpose-driven digital leadership presence.”

Heather T. Rowan-Kenyon, Associate Professor, Lynch School of Education and Human Development

Boston College

“Ahlquist's Digital Leadership in Higher Education makes social media less scary by emphasizing authenticity and service—both common traits for student affairs professionals.”

Jason Simon, CEO

SimpsonScarborough

“For higher ed leaders who are hesitant to embrace social media or need to hone their skills, Dr. Ahlquist’s book is a valuable guide to learning why and how to incorporate social media meaningfully and effectively into their professional lives.”

- Melissa Woo, Senior Vice President for IT & Chief Information Officer

Michigan State University

“Digital Leadership in Higher Education: Purposeful Social Media in a Connected World, by Josie Ahlquist, is a timely and relevant book given the global pandemic’s impact on the necessity of leaders to have an online presence. The purpose of this book is to serve as a resource for leaders in higher education who want to purposefully engage with social media platforms as part of their leadership approach. Ahlquist. . . skillfully walk[s] readers through the tensions that reside at the intersection of the purpose of social media within the context of higher education, the theory of digital leadership, and the practice of digital leadership by higher education leaders.

The book seems to be targeted to an audience of higher education professionals who are cautious, skeptical, late, or laggard adopters of social media and technology. Although addressed to senior administrators, the book could be valuable for faculty professional developments to offer training on connecting with students in online environments.

Student affairs/ higher education graduate preparation programs should use this book in leadership courses to grapple with digital leadership in practice. In summary, [this] is a timely and relevant book to prompt a reimagining of leadership in the digital age of connection.”

Teachers College Record