Gender Inclusiveness and Belonging in Higher Education by Julia G. MaKinster and Luca E. Lewis is a comprehensive professional guide designed to help colleges and universities create genuinely inclusive environments for gender-expansive students, staff, and faculty. Written by two transgender authors with extensive higher education leadership experience, the book addresses the gap between institutional commitments to gender inclusivity and practical implementation by providing evidence-based strategies across all areas of campus operations-from admissions and recruitment to faculty hiring, curriculum development, physical spaces, health services, and institutional policies. The gender inclusive standards and expectations that provide measurable benchmarks for transformation. Targeting the four million higher education professionals nationwide, the book aims to move institutions beyond performative gestures toward substantive cultural and policy changes that address the daily microaggressions and systemic barriers that gender-expansive individuals currently face in academic environments.
Julia G. MaKinster (she/her), Ph.D. is a Professor of Educational Studies at Hobart and William Smith College. She is a former Vice Provost for Institutional Effectiveness and Senior Associate Provost for Curriculum, Assessment and Strategic Planning. A transwoman and queer activist, Julia's mission is to foster gender equity and inclusion in ways that improve the lives of individuals and simultaneously work to dismantle structural and institutional barriers to equity and access. With 5 books, 28 journal articles, and 6 book chapters, she focuses on educational leadership, diversity and inclusion, and issues of gender and gender identity in higher education. She regularly facilitates workshops, presentations, and multi-day institutes on gender inclusivity, academic leadership, and antiracist teaching.
Luca Lewis (he/him), Ph.D. Dr. Luca Lewis brings over 20 years of exemplary leadership and innovation experience, spanning various educational institutions. Serving currently as the Vice President of Student Affairs at Ventura College in Ventura, California, Luca is well known for advancing partnerships and maximizing institutional strengths for diverse learners and earners. Luca was a contributing author to the highly acclaimed book, Higher Education Administration for Social Justice and Equity: Critical Perspectives for Leadership, by Dr. Adrianna Kezar and Dr. Julie Posselt. Likewise, as a sought-after national expert, Luca carries a distinguished leadership reputation in helping institutions achieve excellence through culturally responsive teaching and learning practices, program growth and development, equity-minded leadership and decision-making, and institutional advancement. He has demonstrated experience and expertise in strengthening institutional and district-wide outcomes for communities with intersecting identities and eliminating barriers to access and success for all students.
