Women and Leadership in Distance Education in Canada

The impact of distance education on higher learning is undeniable, and women have played a significant role in shaping the evolution of this field. However, their leadership contributions have remained largely unacknowledged and undervalued. Women and Leadership in Distance Education in Canada addresses this critical gap by amplifying the voices of Canadian women who have fostered inclusive, relational, and complexity-based leadership approaches that prioritize student needs, accessibility, and social justice. With contributions from instructional designers, faculty members, and senior administrators, this timely and candid collection offers practical strategies for encouraging resilience and mentorship as well as valuable insights on program design, collaborative organizational development, and lived experiences of leadership. Through reflections on systemic barriers and creative solutions, these women leaders highlight the importance of diverse perspectives and provide valuable lessons for educational leaders worldwide.

Cindy Ives was a key player in teaching and learning innovation at several Canadian universities. She is professor emerita of distance education at Athabasca University after leadership roles in design and development, learning resources and the office of vice-president academic.

Pamela Walsh has worked in post-secondary for over 35 years, holding senior leadership positions at two Canadian colleges and serving in an executive leadership role at Athabasca University.

Rebecca E. Heiser is a researcher in adult and distance education and recipient of the Governor General Gold Medal at Athabasca University for her achievements in the Doctor of Education in Distance Education program.

With contributions by Amy Burns, Katy Campbell, Lorraine Carter, Elizabeth Childs, Lynn Corcoran, Kristine Dreaver-Charles, Patti Dyjur, Cynthia Eden, Margaret Edwards, Natalie Green, Michelle Harrison, Jenni Hayman, Christina Hendricks, Sandy Hughes, Diane Janes, Erin Keith, Victoria Kennedy, Jennifer Lock, Sarah MacRae, Kathleen Matheos, Michelle Mitchell, Tannis Morgan, Kimberly Myrick, Sophia Palahicky, Jasmine Pham, Megan Pickard, Sherry Rose, Anne-Marie Scott, Afsaneh Sharif, Tammy Soanes-White, Kimberly Stewart, Denise Stockley, Lori Wallace, and Connie (Levina) Yuen.