Abstract/Description/Artist Statement
The Exploration of Black Women Leaders in Rural Community Colleges
Abstract: Black women have a hunger for education and self-sufficiency. Among Black students in higher education, women are more likely than men to earn degrees: Black women obtain 64.1% of bachelor’s degrees, 71.5% of master’s degrees, and 65.9% of doctoral, medical, and dental degrees (AAUW, n.d.). Yet despite this drive, dedication, and ambition, there remains a scarcity of Black women leaders in rural areas, particularly in community colleges. And when a successful Black woman does rise to a position of influence, there isn't a blueprint or road map for others to follow. Examining how these women navigate their pathways to leadership in rural community colleges is essential to understanding the unique challenges they face and the strategies they employ to achieve organizational success. Recognizing the value of Black women leaders underscores an important truth: even if they do not yet hold a significant number of seats at the table, the table is not complete without them.
Methodology:
This study will use a qualitative research design to explore the leadership pathways of Black women serving in leadership roles at rural community colleges. Guided by an intersectionality framework, the study examines how race and gender shape leadership experiences and opportunities within higher education.
Participants will include 10–15 Black women leaders working in rural community colleges, selected through purposeful sampling. Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews, allowing participants to share their career journeys, leadership experiences, and strategies used to navigate institutional barriers.
Interview data will be transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns and themes related to leadership advancement, challenges, and support systems. Ethical research practices will be followed, including informed consent and participant confidentiality.
References
AAUW. (n.d.). Fast Facts: Women of Color in Higher Ed. AAUW: Empowering Women since n
1881. https://www.aauw.org/resources/article/fast-facts-woc-higher-ed/
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr. Michelle Bartlett
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Email
mbartlet@odu.edu
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Community College Leadership Doctoral Program
College/School Affiliation
Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
Student Level Group
Graduate/Professional
Presentation Type
Poster
Knowledge & Creativity Expo
Included in
Adult and Continuing Education Commons, Community College Leadership Commons, Educational Leadership Commons
The Exploration of Black Women Leaders in Rural Community Colleges
The Exploration of Black Women Leaders in Rural Community Colleges
Abstract: Black women have a hunger for education and self-sufficiency. Among Black students in higher education, women are more likely than men to earn degrees: Black women obtain 64.1% of bachelor’s degrees, 71.5% of master’s degrees, and 65.9% of doctoral, medical, and dental degrees (AAUW, n.d.). Yet despite this drive, dedication, and ambition, there remains a scarcity of Black women leaders in rural areas, particularly in community colleges. And when a successful Black woman does rise to a position of influence, there isn't a blueprint or road map for others to follow. Examining how these women navigate their pathways to leadership in rural community colleges is essential to understanding the unique challenges they face and the strategies they employ to achieve organizational success. Recognizing the value of Black women leaders underscores an important truth: even if they do not yet hold a significant number of seats at the table, the table is not complete without them.
Methodology:
This study will use a qualitative research design to explore the leadership pathways of Black women serving in leadership roles at rural community colleges. Guided by an intersectionality framework, the study examines how race and gender shape leadership experiences and opportunities within higher education.
Participants will include 10–15 Black women leaders working in rural community colleges, selected through purposeful sampling. Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews, allowing participants to share their career journeys, leadership experiences, and strategies used to navigate institutional barriers.
Interview data will be transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns and themes related to leadership advancement, challenges, and support systems. Ethical research practices will be followed, including informed consent and participant confidentiality.
References
AAUW. (n.d.). Fast Facts: Women of Color in Higher Ed. AAUW: Empowering Women since n
1881. https://www.aauw.org/resources/article/fast-facts-woc-higher-ed/