Examining Perceptions of Black Administrators in Higher Education Regarding Administrative Leadership Opportunities

Examining Perceptions of Black Administrators in Higher Education Regarding Administrative Leadership Opportunities
Author: Renita Taylor Thompson
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2016
Genre: African American college administrators -- Attitudes -- Case studies
ISBN:

In spite of the research highlighting the significance of the presence of Black administrators to the success of Black students, there continue to be noticeable disparities in the representation of Black and White administrators in higher education. The racial and ethnic makeup of institutions of higher education does not reflect the demographics of the U.S. population. Black administrators are disproportionately underrepresented throughout academe, and are even more sparse at the executive levels of leadership. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions and attitudes of mid-level Black administrators with respect to progressing into executive-level administrative positions at predominantly White institutions. Relevant scholarly literature on mid-level administrators, career advancement, and racial barriers in higher education were examined. Three major tenets of Critical Race Theory (CRT) in education were used as a theoretical lens to examine racial inequities and disparities Black administrators experience in the academy. To address the research question and to explore the subjective viewpoints of the participants, Q methodology was utilized. After IRB approval, purposive sampling was used to recruit 40 Black mid-level administrators to participate in the study. All participants held one of the following titles: Director, Associate Director, Assistant Director, Dean, Associate Dean, Assistant Dean, and Manager. They each worked for a bachelor's degree granting public college or university. In addition to their title, the participants had to have earned at minimum a master's degree. Semi-structured interviews were held with 8 of the 40 participants. Content from interviews, questionnaires, and literature contributed to concourse development. By removing redundant and useless items, the concourse was refined and condensed from 90 statements to develop a Q sample of 41 statements. Through an online process, 40 participants sorted the 41 item Q sample that represented the full gamut of perspectives regarding the subject of career progression in higher education. In the sorting process, the participants ranked the statements based on their personal views and beliefs. A review and analysis of data resulted in five factors that categorize and represent the subjective viewpoints of the participants. The factor arrays, post-sort comments, distinguishing statements, and demographic details aided in interpreting and naming each factor. The five factors were named: Factor 1: The Disconnected, Factor 2: The Disadvantaged, Factor 3: The Disrespected, Factor 4: The Dismissed, and Factor 5: The Disinterested. Each factor was analyzed and interpreted to provide descriptions of how Black administrators perceive career progressions in higher education. Recommendations to expand the study were included.

African American Males in Higher Education Administration

African American Males in Higher Education Administration
Author: William Sean McClinton
Publisher:
Total Pages: 136
Release: 2016
Genre: Affirmative action programs
ISBN:

The overall goal of this qualitative case study was to analyze the glass ceiling in higher education as it relates to African American males and administrative leadership roles. This study examined professional barriers that slow the progress of African American males obtaining leadership positions as administrators in higher education. This research provides an explanation of how African American male administrators can successfully navigate barriers. For this research project, the construct of glass ceiling for African American males obtaining leadership positions as administrators in higher education is reviewed through three theoretical frameworks, Critical Race Theory, theory of affirmative action and diversity, Mettler's theory of degrees of inequality, and Quezada and Louque theory of glass ceilings for African-Americans. In researching this topic through those theoretical frameworks, the literature was focused on several areas including affirmative action and diversity programs, networking and leadership training, and glass ceiling. This literature helped inform the qualitative research in which nine African American male administrators were asked about their perception of the "glass ceiling" and professional barriers for African American males in higher education. Qualitative research was selected for this study to gain understanding of the perceptions of African American male administrators on the glass ceiling in higher education and administrative leadership roles. Six participants have the perception of glass ceiling for African American male administrators in universities. Majority of participants of this study suggested that their leadership style decreased the barriers for their promotion and reduced appearance of the glass ceiling. Mentoring and networking are the major coping mechanisms that play a significant role in how African American male administrators can successfully navigate barriers. By identifying these factors, the researcher hopes to provide an explanation of how African American male administrators can successfully navigate barrier. The recommendation for future study is to investigate the recruitment, retention, and promotion of African American male administrators at institutions of higher education. The second study recommendation for future research is to determine whether barriers exist that prevent career advancement of African American female administrators and other minority groups at institutions of higher education. Such study can focus on their perceptions of glass ceiling and coping mechanism that aid in advancement to leadership positions in higher education administration.

Black Administrators in Higher Education

Black Administrators in Higher Education
Author: Terence Hicks
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 124
Release: 2018-08-24
Genre: Education
ISBN: 0761870210

This Black Administrators in Higher Education book displays a group of administrators from predominantly white and historically black institutions from both four-year and two-year institutions. Through the lenses of autoethnography and personal narrative studies, this extraordinary edited volume by two former deans of education provide the audience with cutting-edge research findings on a variety of topics relative to black administrators working in higher education.

African American Women in Higher Education Administrative Leadership

African American Women in Higher Education Administrative Leadership
Author: Courtney Chappelle
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2022
Genre:
ISBN:

This qualitative research study explores the challenges encountered by five African American women who serve as high-ranking higher education administrators at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) in Pennsylvania as well as how they contend with these challenges. This study also uses an Intersectionality lens to explore the intersectionality of race and gender and how participants feel this intersectionality, as well as gender and racial stereotypes, has impacted their professional lives and how they are perceived/received by colleagues. As we strive to ascend to a level of increased diversity in higher education professionals that is reflective of our increasingly diverse society and student population, it is essential that we explore what is often uncomfortable territory to create more enlightened, supportive, and inclusive work environments. Purposive sampling and phenomenological research methods including semi-structured interviews using open-ended questions were utilized to delve into the experiences of the participants. Participants were asked about professional challenges, work-life balance, and how they experience working at PWIs among other topics. The emerging themes were professional challenges, coping mechanisms/support, mentorship, navigating higher education as Black women, and respect or lack thereof from colleagues and subordinates. The ladies were also asked about their views on the future of Black women in higher education and for any advice for Black women currently working as administrators and those who aspire to do so. Though they encounter many challenges, some unique to them as Black women, all the participants recognize the value of their work and plan to continue that work for their students as well as future Black female administrators following in their footsteps.

No Ways Tired: The Journey for Professionals of Color in Student Affairs

No Ways Tired: The Journey for Professionals of Color in Student Affairs
Author: Monica Galloway Burke
Publisher: IAP
Total Pages: 161
Release: 2019-08-01
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1641137657

Even though diversity is currently conveyed as a ubiquitous principle within institutions of higher education, professionals of color still face issues such as discrimination, the glass ceiling, lack of mentoring, and limited access to career networks. Unfortunately, an open channel does not exist for professionals of color to express their frustrations and genuine concerns. The narratives in No Ways Tired present a powerful voice about the experiences of student affairs professionals of color in higher education, including intersecting identities such as race, class, and gender. Furthermore, the narratives are nuggets of personal truth that can serve as a lens for professionals of color who wish to develop strategies to succeed as they traverse their careers in higher education. Through the sharing of their visions of success, lessons learned, and cautionary tales, the authors openly offer insights about how they have created a way to survive and thrive within higher education in spite of challenges and distractions. They also articulate a vision where student affairs professionals of color can develop fully, be authentic, use their agency, and effectively contribute. This book includes recommendations for professionals of color at all levels within higher education and ways to construct opportunities to flourish. The ultimate goal for this book is to promote discussions regarding how professionals of color can be more proactive in developing strategies that are conducive to their professional and personal success as they navigate their higher education careers.

Pathways to Higher Education Administration for African American Women

Pathways to Higher Education Administration for African American Women
Author: Tamara Bertrand Jones
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 101
Release: 2023-07-03
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1000979458

For Black women faculty members and student affairs personnel, this book delineates the needed skills and the range of possible pathways for attaining administrative positions in higher education.This book uses a survey that identifies the skills and knowledge that Black women administrators report as most critical at different stages of their careers as a foundation for the personal narratives of individual administrators’ career progressions. The contributors address barriers, strategies, and considerations such as the comparative merits of starting a career at an HBCU or PWI, or at a public or private institution.Their stories shine light on how to develop the most effective leadership style, how to communicate, and the importance of leading with credibility. They dwell on the necessity of listening to one’s inner voice in guiding decisions, of maintaining integrity and having a clear sense of values, and of developing a realistic sense of personal limitations and abilities. They illustrate how to combine institutional and personal priorities with service to the community; share how the authors carved out their distinct and purposeful career paths; and demonstrate the importance of the mentoring they received and provided along the way. A theoretical chapter provides a frame for reflecting on the paths traveled. These accounts and reflections provide enlightenment, inspiration, and nuggets of wisdom for all Black women who want to advance their careers in higher education.

Administrative Challenges and Organizational Leadership in Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Administrative Challenges and Organizational Leadership in Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Author: Prince, Charles B. W.
Publisher: IGI Global
Total Pages: 328
Release: 2016-06-16
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1522503129

Student retention, engagement, and success are some of the biggest challenges that administrators and university leaders face in higher education settings. As financial support and steep competition pose an issue to student acquisition and participation, especially within Historically Black Colleges and Universities, it becomes pertinent that these academic organizations implement new leadership practices to assist in the overall success of the student, as well as the institution. Administrative Challenges and Organizational Leadership in Historically Black Colleges and Universities examines how administrations in Historically Black Educational Institutions utilize different leadership techniques to overcome challenges of student retention and engagement. Focusing on student development practices, organizational collaboration, funding for institutions, and support provided from faculty and staff within Historically Black Colleges and Universities, this book is an essential reference for university administrators, educators, researchers, and graduate-level students in the fields of education and sociology.

Diverse Administrators in Peril

Diverse Administrators in Peril
Author: Edna Chun
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 140
Release: 2015-12-03
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1317261119

Diverse Administrators in Peril is the first in-depth examination of the work experiences of minority, female, and LGBT administrators in higher education. Written by two award-winning practitioners in higher education, this vivid and intensive study of American leadership from the inside out illuminates how the collision between everyday life and systems of power takes place in patterns of subtle discrimination. Based on scores of interviews with diverse administrators, the book examines patterns of racism, sexism, and heterosexism that persist in the highest administrative ranks and provides concrete strategies and models for inclusive leadership practices.

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

Institutional Factors Contributing to the Under-representation of African American Women in Higher Education: Perceptions of Women in Leadership Positions
Author: Kimberly Ann Robinson
Publisher:
Total Pages: 194
Release: 2012
Genre: Electronic dissertations
ISBN:

Author's abstract: The 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.