How to be a real woman leader in higher education.

When women consistently follow a traditionally male model of leadership, heavy doses of testosterone "can drift into our systems and lead to our behaving and believing it's appropriate to behave like Real Men," warned Dr. Shirley Robinson Pippins, president of Suffolk County Community College NY.

She keynoted the Summit for Women Presidents held in Milwaukee WI in June, sponsored by the American Council on Education's Office of Women in Higher Education.

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What stereotypes characterize Real Men and Real Women? Real Men don't cry, apologize, get manicures or pedicures, change diapers, do house-work or compromise. Real Women are a size 2, don't drive trucks, can't make up their minds, can't argue without tears, never sweat, cook nutritional meals every night and never leave home without perfect hair and makeup.

"Obviously we need new definitions--our own personal definitions--of Real Women," Pippins said. She defines Real Women as those who are smart and value-driven, and who constantly ask themselves tough questions as they seek to lead full, balanced lives.

Why should Real Women become leaders?

Great potential leaders question whether a leadership opportunity in higher education is right for them. "Many of the women currently considering leadership opportunities are the daughters of accomplished women and men," Pippins said. "They know all too well the cost of leadership."