Dr. Willa B. Player: A Quiet but Resolute Force for Social Justice in Higher Education

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Fourteen
  In Roundtable Session: Centering the Experiences of Historically Marginalized Leaders (Table 13)

Abstract

Dr. Willa Beatrice Player served as an educator, college administrator, civil rights activist, federal appointee, and most importantly, Bennett College's first woman president during one of America's most tumultuous times. Unfortunately, like the many other Black women's contributions, there is very little known about her work because, historically, the success factors of Black women college presidents remain invisible, and the lack of representation makes it challenging for Black women to visualize their placement. The seemingly simple act of imagining themselves in the position can be a mental hurdle for prospective presidents. This historical research paper explores the complexity of Dr. Player's presidential journey to highlight the essential leadership priorities for Black women pursuing senior executive roles and the college presidency.

Authors

• Kelsey D Bogard, Indiana State University
  Presenting Author

• Kandace G. Hinton, Indiana State University
  Non-Presenting Author