Institutional Factors Contributing to the Under-representation of African American Women in Higher Education: Perceptions of Women in Leadership Positions

<p>he purpose of this basic qualitative study was to examine the lived experiences of African American women who have obtained senior leadership positions in Predominantly White Higher Education Institutions. Data were collected through open-ended, phenomenological-oriented interviews with 12 African American women holding senior level positions in both academic and student affairs in the north and southeast parts of the United States. This study focused on the perceived institutional barriers that have contributed to the under-representation of African American women in higher education senior administration and strategies that were used to overcome perceived barriers. Critical Race Theory was used as a lens to explore the perceived barriers and experiences of African American women in academe. The qualitative data from this study yielded the concepts of leadership preparation, perception of race and gender, institutional challenges, and personal strategies for success. Ultimately, this study will further discussions regarding how higher education institutions can be more proactive in preparing and promoting qualified African American women in senior administrative positions.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Education in Education Administration (Ed.D.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation (open access)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Department of Leadership, Technology, and Human Development

Year dc:date.available

2012

Author dc:creator

• Robinson, Kimberly Ann

Contributors dc:contributor

• Hsiu-Lien Lu
• Marian Tabi

• ETD
• Under-Representation
• Educational Leadership
• Critical Race Theory
• Race
• Gender
• Higher Education Administration
• Race and Ethnicity

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/811

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu:etd-1815