MARION, Ind. (July 8, 2025) — A new publication on ethical leadership in education brings together alumni and faculty from Indiana Wesleyan University. Co-edited by IWU alumni Aaron Perry and Jack Pladdys, “Crossroads in Classrooms: Essays at the Intersection of Ethics, Leadership Education, and the Christian Faith” explores how ethics can shape the evolving landscape of educational leadership.

“In an era marked by complexity, competing priorities, and increasing public scrutiny, ethical clarity and moral courage are more essential than ever in education,” Pladdys said. “My aim is for this textbook to inspire reflection on the deeper ‘why’ behind educational leadership, calling readers to lead not only with competence, but with character.”

The book features a collection of essays from Christian scholars across the United States, offering diverse perspectives on the intersection of ethics, theology and leadership education. The book includes contributions from nine members of the IWU community.

Dr. Tiffany Snyder, director of faculty engagement for IWU National & Global, co-authored a chapter titled “Faculty Success Guide,” which addresses timely topics such as the adoption of artificial intelligence in college classrooms.

“The opportunity to author a chapter came at a time when Rick Bartlett, Brad Garner and I were actively reflecting on our role as faculty engagement professionals at IWU,” Snyder said. “For the publication, Rick and I stepped back to consider the broader higher education landscape through the lens of our shared experiences as believers, educators and nature enthusiasts. We are grateful for the chance to draw from that reflection and use the image of a trail guide to practically express what it can look like to walk alongside faculty as success guides on their journey.”

Recognizing the time constraints of educators, Perry envisioned a collaborative volume that would empower leaders to share their work and shape the future of leadership education.

“I wanted talented educators to have an opportunity to gather, refine and share their thoughts collaboratively so that leadership education could be seen and that more leaders could be trained,” Perry said. “We need more ethical leaders, and leadership educators can help make that difference.”

IWU-affiliated contributors to the book include:

• Dr. Aaron Perry, co-editor – IWU Wesley Seminary adjunct faculty
• Dr. Jack Pladdys, co-editor – IWU alumnus
• Dr. Yamil Acevedo, contributing author – IWU associate vice president, Wesley Seminary
• Dr. Tiffany Snyder, contributing author – IWU director of faculty engagement
• Dr. Rick Bartlett, contributing author – IWU assistant director of faculty engagement
• Dr. Tiffany Ann Johns, contributing author – IWU CAPS faculty and alumna
• Dr. Priscilla Hammond, contributing author – IWU alumna
• Dr. Aaron Wilkinson, contributing author – IWU alumnus
• Dr. Russell Guay, contributing author – IWU Wesley Seminary student

The publication is available now and aims to support educational leaders in cultivating ethical, faith-informed practices across classrooms, institutions and communities.