Appreciative Inquiry in Higher Education: A Transformative Force

Praise for Appreciative Inquiry in Higher Education

"Cockell and McArthur-Blair have crafted a meaningful story for educational leaders by weaving their personal experiences as Appreciative Inquiry facilitators together with a wide range of strength-based practices and positive change theory. The result is a magical book for applying Appreciative Inquiry in higher education." —Diana Whitney, Ph.D., author, Appreciative Leadership and The Power of Appreciative Inquiry

"Combining the history, philosophy, and principles of Appreciative Inquiry with detailed guidance for how it can be used in planning, leading, and teaching, Jeanie Cockell and Joan McArthur-Blair have tapped the depth and breadth of their substantive knowledge and skills to write a must-read text for administrators, faculty, staff, and students in higher education. Here is a book grounded in hope and many years of experience with a process that begins by recognizing what works, rather than what's missing—a refreshing and rather radical perspective." —Dr. Shauna Butterwick, associate professor, Adult Education Program Coordinator, Department of Educational Studies, University of British Columbia

"Cockell and McArthur-Blair have delightfully woven together how Appreciative Inquiry has been applied in all of higher education with stories of people and relationships illustrating how AI brings life to organizations. They provide guidance to AI practitioners in higher education on the depth and breadth of experiences that inspire those of us in this field." —Kathy Becker, CEO, Company of Experts, Inc.; CEO, Center for Appreciative Inquiry

"This book is an inspiring and expansive guide to developing appreciative practice in higher education. It will be an invaluable resource to anyone interested in leading their college into a 'positive' future." —Judith Kamber, dean of professional development, Northern Essex Community College

Jeanie Cockell is an educational and organizational consultant who designs collaborative strategies to surface the wisdom of individuals and groups so that they can build positive futures and respond effectively to change. Her consulting practice is grounded in her adult education background including higher education teaching and leadership roles. She travels worldwide to facilitate workshops, speak at conferences, and consult for clients.

Joan McArthur-Blair is a writer, speaker, and facilitator. She has held roles in higher education from faculty to president, and every day of that journey she cared most deeply about learners, their access to higher education, and their success when there. After more than twenty-five years of institutionally based work, she has returned to her loves of writing, speaking, and facilitating, and works with groups to make a positive difference.