“This is an inspiring but also alarming memoir by one of America’s foremost female engineers and academic leaders. Professor Katehi’s story illustrates the incredible challenges that even the most accomplished, decent women continue to face in academia, especially as they climb the administrative ladder. At the same time, her story is heartwarming in the way that it illustrates the importance of a close, loving family (plus one’s own special archangel).”

—Robert Birgeneau, chancellor emeritus, University of California, Berkeley

“Higher Ground is a breathtaking memoir by a woman engineer who, despite her gender and unlikely origins, rose to the top of academia in the United States only to be undermined by political infighting. Only now are we beginning to hear from the first wave of women to reach the highest levels of education. This magnificent book sets a high standard for the many other sobering stories that are likely to follow.”

—Nancy Hopkins, groundbreaking cancer researcher and Amgen Professor of Biology Emerita at MIT

“Powerful and evocative. A dramatic narrative of a life of struggle, success, downfall, and victory. Gripping writing marks moments of tenderness, loss, doubt, and wisdom—revealing the creative force of a fierce intellect that will not be stopped. In Higher Ground, Linda Katehi delivers a sweeping story, almost classic in its tragedies and epiphanies.”

—Suad Joseph, distinguished research professor, University of California, Davis