The Making of Female University Presidents in China

This book provides readers a comprehensive overview of the role of female higher education administrators in China. On the basis of more than 7,500 collected CVs, it compares and discusses different groups of female university administrators in China.

The study found that the number of female university administrators in China is far lower than that for their male counterparts with a majority serving as deputies to more senior leaders. Female administrators have more political responsibilities, which are important in China, than administrative responsibilities.

Using logistic regression models, the authors analyse and discuss factors that have negative impacts on the career paths of female administrators. Furthermore, by examining their biographies, the authors give suggestions on characteristics that helped these female administrators succeed.

The book is intended for researchers and students who are interested in higher education in China. More specially, it will benefit those readers who are interested in the topics of gender equality in China’s higher education administration and the role of female administrators in higher education. Additionally, the information provided here could help policymakers and university administrators, in China and around the world, to make more informed decisions.

Kai Yu is Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Graduate Education, Graduate School of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where he also advises PhD students. His research focuses on higher education in China, graduate education, and higher education management. Kai Yu has published in leading journals in China including Educational Research, Journal of Higher Education, and Peking University Education Review. He has also written for newspapers such as China Education Daily. Kai Yu obtained his Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science degree from University of Oxford in the field of educational studies. He studied computer science at Queen’s University of Belfast where he received Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with First Class Honours.

Yinhan Wang is a postgraduate student at Shanghai Jiao Tong University Graduate School of Education, she received her Bachelor’s degree from Southwestern University of Finance and Economics.