Higher Education Leadership Diversity Perceptions, Race, and Objectivity

• In Event: Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: Leadership at Multiple Levels

Abstract

California community college diversity encompasses a great range of differences including gender, age, disability, religion, skill set, sexual orientation, and personality, along with race and ethnicity. This researcher conducted a qualitative multiple case study that examined diversity perceptions of California community college senior leaders.
An in-depth analysis of participant interviews and researcher observations led to initial themes, subsequent findings, conclusions and recommendations. Critical Race Theory was used to further analyze the data.
A key finding emerged that personal background and interests dominated leaders’ diversity perceptions. A clear priority for leadership among the various diverse elements was lacking. Additionally, leaders lacked shared knowledge and interpretation of the laws governing succession planning and diversity in hiring (beyond recruitment committee representation).

Author

• Victoire Chochezi, Drexel University