A DESCRIPTION OF THE CHALLENGES AND SUCCESSES OF AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALE PRESIDENTS AT POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Smith, Chaundra L., A description of the challenges and successes of African American female presidents at post-secondary educational institutions. Doctor of Education (Executive Educational Leadership), May, 9, 2020, Houston Baptist University, Houston, Texas. Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of African American females regarding their progression toward presidency at post-secondary educational institutions. This study described the experiences of current African American female presidents in the academy in reaching their level of professional success. Methodology Five participants, who self-identified as African American female presidents, were the first presidents of their college. They shared their experiences by responding to research questions that allowed them to expound on challenges and successes encountered before, during and after achieving the position of College President. Findings from the study indicated that gender presented a challenge for participants, as they had to continuously prove themselves to colleagues and subordinates that they could do the job well. In addition, the study's findings emphasized the importance and huge advantage mentoring played in each participant's experience and in shaping the perception of each participant's self-image and confidence. Networking, training, and being knowledgeable about politics, administration, financials, and administration were also found to be essential and pertinent to the journey of college president. In conclusion, this study provides a description of the challenges and successes of African American female presidents Findings Two emergent themes were identified in the examination of the challenges African American female presidents encountered during their journey to presidency, gender and race. Participants expressed how their gender and race were challenges for them as they pursued the seat of president. These challenges continued even after obtaining the executive position but became motivating factors for the participants. Five emergent themes materialized when looking at successful strategies that helped participants obtain the president position: mentoring, spirituality, and family, networking and training. Mentoring showed to be a heavily viable source for the participants and something they encourage and do themselves. Spirituality was another successful strategy participants relied on heavily to navigate the injustices and challenges that could have easily begot them, but instead allowed them to continue their journey to the position. Family was the support each participant needed to conjugate who they were with the work they did and be effective in both. Networking provided participants with connections needed to get into otherwise closed doors and be exposed to individuals who could help in reaching the presidency. Training was a necessary component to achieve the position and be successful in the position. Training allowed participants to be better acclimated with the operations, politics, and better know and understand the institution as a whole. Conclusions The responses from participants in this study described the challenges encountered on their journey to becoming college president. Based on the responses by participants it is imperative African American females understand the challenges that will arise and utilize successful strategies of good mentorship, spirituality, family, networking, and proper training. The researcher’s aspiration is that the findings of this study will encourage aspiring African American female leaders to embark upon the journey of becoming a college/university president. KEY WORDS: African American Female, Critical Race Theory, Gender, Glass ceiling, Marginalization, Mentoring, President, Post-secondary education; Black Feminist Thought, Challenges, Success