Leading with Excellence: Women and Leadership in Academia

This dynamic conversation will feature thought-provoking insights from university presidents, followed by an interactive, moderated discussion with the audience. The session will explore university leadership with a focus on strategic decision-making processes, institutional renewal, and the evolving challenges of maintaining and building excellence in higher education. A key theme of the discussion will be the critical reassessment of existing pathways to leadership and systems of academic recognition. Speakers will examine how excellence is defined and measured, moving beyond traditional impact metrics and standard equity and inclusion policies while also looking at various leadership models and institutional consultation processes. They will share how they navigate institutional structures with their power relations and work toward reshaping leadership models that foster innovation and long-term academic growth. As universities strive to balance scientific advancement, world-class education, and growing societal responsibilities, leaders must set priorities that serve both the public good and enhance global visibility in an increasingly competitive academic landscape. Drawing perspectives from both sides of the Atlantic, this conversation will explore how different leadership experiences contribute to excellence and go beyond conventional inclusion debates to ask a fundamental question: Does representation of women in leadership merely reflect change—or does it actively transform the future of academia?

  • Prof. Dr. Barbara Albert, President, University of Duisburg-Essen
  • Prof. Dr. Angela Ittel, President, TU Braunschweig
  • Prof. Dr Kerstin Krieglstein, President, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
  • Prof. Dr. Frauke Melchior, President, Heidelberg University
  • Prof. Dr. Ursula Staudinger, President, TU Dresden
  • Dr. Nefertiti A. Walker, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Equity, and Professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst
  • Dr. Annette “Nina” Gray, Associate Vice Provost for Research Planning and Analysis, New York University
  • Dr. Sabine C. Klahr, Vice Provost, Penn State Global, The Pennsylvania State University *virtual

Moderators:

  • Priya S. Nayar, University Alliance Ruhr
  • Eva Rueskamp, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
  • Peter Rosenbaum, TU Dresden

Room: Arlington