This volume provides an exhaustive exploration of leadership and mentorship through purpose, preparation, and preceptors. The edited book explains how to identify ways that individuals can strengthen their career trajectory, determine strategies to employ for career advancement, establish lasting and impactful connections with key stakeholders per career aspirations, provide guidance for individuals seeking advancement within the academy, and explore current theoretical and practical nuances with regard to research, literature, and application of leadership and mentorship of African Americans in the academy. Covering topics such as cross-racial mentorship, emotionally intelligent leadership, and African American leaders, this text is ideal for teachers, faculty, university administrators, leaders in education, aspiring future leaders, researchers, academicians, and students.