Leadership and the role of spirituality: A qualitative study of university presidents in U.S. higher education

Abstract

The intersection of leadership, identity and spirituality is explored in this qualitative study of university presidents in U.S. higher education. Based on the premise that without leadership from individuals, informed by their whole, integrated and authentic selves, the entire enterprise of higher education may suffer, this inquiry examined how presidents in higher education experience and enact their spirituality. The lives of six leaders of public and private, religious and nonreligious affiliated universities (small and large) are traced from early careers to current positions and what enabled or disabled the enactment of their spirituality as a dimension of their leadership. Conclusions focus on individual, organizational and institutional level recommendations in the role of higher education to facilitate integration of internal and external dimensions of self, identity and professional responsibilities.