Exploring Educational Leadership in Times of Change: WKU Professors Speak at Asia-Pacific Summit

Her panel, “Transformational Leadership in Challenging Times,” was featured in The Korea Times in an article by Dong-chan Jhoo—highlighting the panel’s meaningful impact on higher education leaders across the Asia-Pacific region. It was truly inspiring to see such thoughtful dialogue on leadership and innovation recognized in national media. 

The panel was moderated by Professor Renaud Joannes-Boyau Vice Chancellor of University of Southern Queensland, and featured three distinguished speakers: Professor Yong-Sang Choi, University Strategy Officer and climate physicist at Ewha Womans University; Valerie Won Lee, Founder of World Citizen Artists and Global Leader at WomenTech Network; and Dr. Midya Yousefi, Assistant Professor at Wenzhou-Kean University. 

The three panelists, representing diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, explored how transformational leadership can drive innovation and sustainability in higher education during times of global uncertainty. 

During the session, Dr. Yousefi shared Wenzhou-Kean University’s experience in developing future-oriented educational leaders. She remarked:  “Wenzhou-Kean University is a Sino-American institution that integrates Eastern and Western systems, global curricula and leadership training between China and the U.S.”    “Enhancing resilience, innovation and critical thinking among students through experiential learning and cross-cultural collaboration is central to our mission.”   

Her research examines how leadership styles influence each higher education’s performance, prestige and sustainability, with particular focus on digital transformation in higher education.

“We prepare the next generation of Chinese leaders to navigate complexity, drive innovation and lead with integrated vision,” she added. 

 As a Sino-American university, Wenzhou-Kean University remains committed to the values of transformation, innovation, and resilience, striving to cultivate globally minded educators and leaders with a strong sense of social responsibility.