Graduation Semester and Year

2017

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Department

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

First Advisor

Taryn Allen Ozuna

Abstract

Using De Anda’s (1984) framework of Bicultural Socialization theory that indicates that individuals from minority groups have to learn to function in two environments, the environment of their own culture and that of the main society culture. This research study present findings from a qualitative study that examined how women of color (African American, Asian American, Hispanic, and Native American) navigated the community college pipeline and were able to achieve success by obtaining higher-level administrative positions. Six women of color who held higher ranking administrative positions at a community college district in North Texas shared their experiences, achievements, adversities, and resiliency approaches. The study examined the strategies for success that these women implemented in order to secure leadership roles at their community colleges. The study investigated the obstacles and opportunities participants encountered as they traversed the leadership pipeline. The study provides an understanding to the extensiveness of women of color in higher-level administrative positions in community colleges in Texas. The significance of this study expands the literature about women of color in higher-level administration and contributes to the transformation in the hiring practices that community colleges currently use. The study provides a paradigm to current community college leaders about practices for employee recruitment and retention that benefit women of color. Finally, the study contributes to the literature about the influence that culture has in the career path of women of color in higher-level administrative positions.

Keywords

Women of color, Leadership

Disciplines

Education | Educational Leadership

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

Download

Share

COinS