The Journey of Becoming: Examining the Career Paths of Black Women Public University Senior Leaders

• In Event: Race, Gender, Sexuality, and Religion: Not Just Who I Am, but How I Lead

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the experiences that contribute to Black women in senior leadership positions in U.S. 4-year public universities career advancement and success.
This dissertation also examined how the intersection of race, gender, and class influenced the educational and career pathways of the 12 Black women participants. This study found that the high expectations of participants’ parents served as an educational success imperative. Other themes that emerged illustrated that non-linear paths, and mentorship were all factors in the participants’ journeys toward senior leadership. The Black women’s transcendence of racial, gender, and class discrimination became the impetus for developing a leadership style that is focused on students’ success.

Authors

• Ransford Pinto, Vanderbilt University

• Ty-Ron M.O. Douglas, University of California - Berkeley