Unexpected Influence

“The women profiled in Unexpected Influence answered the call to leadership in the nation’s community colleges with neither fanfare nor credit. It is because of their service that millions of students have benefited from this uniquely American opportunity. This book is critical to understanding our institutional history and to ensuring that we respect the valuable contributions of these courageous women now and for generations to come.” ―Walter G Bumphus, president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges

“As Anne-Marie McCartan notes, the names of men who influenced the development of the American community college are an integral part of community college history. Finally, thanks to her, we have a work that presents the stories of some of the women who were also influential in shaping the community college in the last half of the 20th century and who helped position community colleges as access points for those previously considered outsiders to higher education.” ―Beverly L. Bower, Director of the Bill J. Priest Center for Community College Education at the University of North Texas

“As a scholar of community college leadership, I find McCartan’s book Unexpected Influence to provide refreshing testimony to those typically left out of history and left on the margins―namely women. The women highlighted in the volume provide examples of leadership that have stood the test of time and should be recognized for their contributions to community colleges.” ―Pamela L. Eddy, Professor of Education, The College of William & Mary