Women and Working Mothers in Student Affairs: Campus Climate and Career Aspirations

• In Event: Organizational conditions and diversity outcomes in higher education

Abstract

More women fill lower and midlevel positions in student affairs at every type of institution, yet women are underrepresented in chief leadership roles within student affairs at the institutions that are considered most prestigious, including research universities. One of the most commonly cited barrier to career progression for women in student affairs is balancing work and family commitments, particularly for women with children. This mixed-methods explanatory study explored and compared the career aspirations of women in midlevel administrative roles in student affairs with children and those without, and their experiences with and perceptions of how campus climate and culture affect their career aspirations at doctoral-granting institutions.

Authors

• Patricia M Ryan, Texas Tech University

• Stephanie J. Jones, Texas Tech University