Success as Destiny explores how institutional leaders at every level can strengthen structures, processes, and approaches to advance both institutional and student success during moments of profound challenge and opportunity. Drawing on the expertise of distinguished faculty of the Executive Leadership Academy (ELA) at the University of California, Berkeley, this volume illuminates leadership practices rooted in collaboration, integrated decision-making, and servant leadership. Covering essential areas such as shared governance, legal issues, AI, enrollment, student affairs, data-informed practice, financial leadership, and strategic planning, the book offers actionable insights for current and future leaders. This is the second volume in ELA’s leadership trilogy. It stands as both a practical guide and a deeply reflective exploration of what it means to lead with purpose, integrity, and vision in higher education today.
Editors Johnnella E. Butler, Ed.D. Former Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Spelman College | Atlanta, Georgia and former Associate Dean, The Graduate School, University of Washington | Seattle, Washington
Josefina Castillo Baltodano, J.D. Founder and Executive Director Emerita, Executive Leadership Academy, University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, California and former President, Marian University | Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Ding-Jo H. Currie, Ph.D. Distinguished Faculty and Director, Leadership Institute for Tomorrow, California State University, Fullerton | Fullerton, California and former Chancellor, Coast Community College District | Costa Mesa, California
Samantha A. Rushing Associate Director and Executive Assistant to the Advisory Board, Executive Leadership Academy, and former Program Administrator, Berkeley Global Executive Education, University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, California
Advancing Local Knowledge for a Sustainable Future: Selected Abstracts from the STAR Global Conference 2025 brings together scholarly abstracts presented at the conference in İstanbul, Türkiye. Reflecting the conference theme, this digital volume highlights diverse perspectives on the role of local knowledge in addressing contemporary global challenges and advancing sustainable development. The collection features contributions from researchers, educators, practitioners, policymakers, and graduate students representing institutions across multiple countries and disciplines. Topics include higher education, artificial intelligence, educational innovation, sustainability, indigenous knowledge systems, community development, cultural heritage, language learning, leadership, social justice, health, architecture, and international collaboration.
Highlights
Global Perspectives: Research and insights from scholars, educators, and practitioners representing diverse countries and disciplines.
Local Knowledge for Sustainable Futures: Innovative approaches that connect indigenous, community-based, and local knowledge with global challenges.
Emerging Trends and Innovation: Contributions exploring artificial intelligence, educational transformation, sustainability, and social development.
Interdisciplinary Scholarship: A rich collection of abstracts spanning education, technology, culture, leadership, health, architecture, and community engagement.