2025 Society of Professors of Education Outstanding Book Honorable Mention This book is a collection of stories and reflections that represent Chinese American leaders and depict their tortuous journeys in U.S. higher education that comes at a critical point in time. Many books have been devoted to academic leadership, but this volume uniquely focuses on subjects most relevant to Chinese Americans. We live at a time that not only witnesses an increase in Chinese American leaders on U.S. campuses but also mounting incidents of discriminatory treatment of this group. This book showcases 36 stories and reflections from past, present, and future leaders, including the five previously published stories. They represent leaders holding different ideological values in various academic fields, positions, stages of careers, professional trajectories, generations, Chinese ethnic groups, and geographical locations. The Rise of Chinese American Leaders in U.S. Higher Education makes a valuable contribution to the body of literature that has assisted countless academicleaders in navigating their careers, bringing to the forefront a distinct group of academic leaders who have been underrepresented. “The Rise of Chinese American Leaders in U.S. Higher Education … stands as both a celebration of achievement and a call to action. It honors those who have broken barriers while reminding us of the work still to be done. As a historical record, it is invaluable; as a roadmap, it invites the creation of new, inclusive pathways responsive to shifting ideologies, evolving definitions of leadership, and the imperative for cross-cultural understanding.” (Dr. Jennie Lou, Chinese American Forum, Vol. 41 (2), October, 2025) “The book’s narrative-driven approach, which significantly improves its readability, makes it an engaging and enjoyable read, filled with moments of inspiration and insight. ... this volume stands as a celebration of past achievements and also a call to action for building more inclusive and equitable pathways to leadership. For scholars, practitioners, and students of higher education, it is an inspiring and timely resource that underscores the enduring power of education, resilience, and leadership rooted in cultural understanding, purpose, and justice.” (Tianlong You, Journal of Chinese Overseas, Vol 21 (1), 2025) “Combining intellectual depth, multidisciplinary breadth, and accessible storytelling, this book will be an informative and unforgettable read for a broad audience interested in higher education, US-China relations, and Asian American history. … This book provides both the roadmaps that show the path forward and the stories that warm our heart and strengthen our will to embark on that path.” (Lisong Liu, American Review of China Studies, Vol. 25 (1), Spring, 2024) “The stories are compelling, moving, and inspiring. The book is a timely publication that enhances the visibility of an important aspect of Chinese American contributions to the U.S. society despite hardships and systemic racism.” (Min Zhou, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Sociology & Asian American Studies, UCLA) “These Chinese Americans are role models of present and future generations of leaders. They have brought a unique leadership perspective from their cultural backgrounds and are dedicated to the success of students. I have personally benefited from their wisdom and advice at the crucial moments of my own career.” (Ming Tung "Mike" Lee, Ph.D., President, Sonoma State University, 2016 Recipient of Chang Lin Tien Leadership in Education Award) “The 'bamboo ceiling' is pervasive but not impenetrable. The authors' personal reflections and professional insights will inspire Chinese American readers, as well as members of diverse communities everywhere. This bookis a groundbreaking contribution to the fields of cross cultural leadership development and ethnic studies.” (Jenny J. Lee, Ph.D., Interim Vice President of Arizona International and Dean of International Education, Professor of Higher Education, University of Arizona) “The stories are compelling, moving, and inspiring. The book is a timely publication that enhances the visibility of … Chinese American contributions to the U.S. society despite hardships and systemic racism.” -Min Zhou, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Sociology & Asian American Studies, UCLA “These Chinese Americans are role models of present and future generations of leaders. They have brought a unique leadership perspective from their cultural backgrounds … I have personally benefited from their wisdom and advice …” -Ming-Tung “Mike” Lee, Ph.D., President, Sonoma State University, 2016 Recipient of Chang-Lin Tien Leadership in Education Award “The ‘bamboo ceiling’ is pervasive but not impenetrable. The authors' personal reflections and professional insights will inspire Chinese American readers … [and] diverse communities everywhere. This book is a groundbreaking contribution to the fields of cross-cultura