Examining the Factors of Success in Asian American Leaders in Higher Education

• In Event: Stories of Struggle and Success in Education

Abstract

Little is known on psychosocial and environmental factors that have influenced the success of the few Asian American Leaders in Higher Education. While researchers have pointed to these leaders’ motivation and skills (Paik, 2015; Paik, Marshall-Harper, Gozali, & Johnson, 2020), we still lack an understanding of the environmental and psychosocial factors that contribute to the success of AA higher education administrators. A qualitative interview design has been conducted on Asian American (AA) leaders to understand how AA Higher Ed leaders develop “productive giftedness,” enabling them to attain and keep leadership positions. Preliminary findings resulted in themes that resulted in productive giftedness such as mentorship, community with AA peers, family background, and discrimination.

Author

• Kevin K Nguyen, Claremont Graduate University