Pathways to Higher Education Administration for African American Women

From the Foreword:

“It is critical that African American women be in positions of authority…because, the one who leads truly does matter.

This seminal work explores why there are still too few African American women in high-level college/university administrative positions today. More importantly, it examines why this current state of affairs can and should be changed. A blueprint is provided for both the individual woman with aspirations for advancement, and for institutions wanting to cultivate this often overlooked source of talent. Pathways is a very fine primer for those seeking to chart their own personal journeys. It is a must read for high level administrators, no matter their color, who are interested in changing the culture and landscape of their institution.”

Johnetta Cross Brazzell, Former Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

University of Arkansas - Fayetteville

"This book offers both research findings and practical strategies for creating more welcoming pathways to leadership in higher education for African American women. It examines the many barriers to leadership for women and provides compelling stories and advice from African American women who are successful leaders and mentors [and] should be useful in a variety of teaching and professional development settings."

Jon C. Dalton, Professor Emeritus of Higher Education, Florida State University

“This work contributes crucial data to the conversation on the importance of having diverse leadership in higher education and the significance of considering the plight of African American women in this complicated equation. The authors provide compelling discourse on the need for institutions to provide encouragement, support, understanding, and opportunities for those who have faced struggles and challenges advancing in higher education administration.”

Kevin D. Rome, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, North Carolina Central University

"The work by the authors and editors of this book provides a unique look at the lives and experiences of African American women who work in academic and student affairs in America’s colleges and universities. From the comprehensive historical overview by Hayden that sets the background for the volume to the fascinating case studies by Hinton that provide current examples of career paths taken, Pathways to Higher Education Administration for African American Women provides a multi-layered look at what practicing African American women administrators have to say about their experiences in the academy. Using information gathered from a national sample, as well as first-person accounts, this book provides new information and practical tips that African American women at all administrative levels will find of interest."

Beverly L. Bower, Ph.D, Don A. Buchholz Chair in Community College Education, University of North Texas

"Pathways to Higher Education Administration for African American Women provides invaluable information for aspiring African American women administrators as well as for institutions who wish to support their success and development. The authors’ insights will assist all who are developing systems to improve their mentoring and leadership development programs. This book’s use of research findings to suggest practical strategies will benefit individual professionals and the colleges and universities who seek to hire and promote them."

Mary B. Coburn, Vice President for Student Affairs, Florida State University