Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice

Advisor

Sherilyn Poole

Committee Member

James C. Jackson, III

Committee Member

Kimberly Durham

Keywords

Black women, higher education administration, diversity leadership, historically black colleges and universities, predominantly black institutions

Abstract

Black women are considered one of the most academically advanced groups; however, they are underrepresented in senior leadership positions in colleges and universities and in scholarly literature (Logan & Dudley, 2020). This qualitative case study explored the challenges Black women perceive as obstacles when advancing to and navigating senior leadership positions in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) or Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). This research, rooted in critical race theory and Black feminist thought, analyzed how the intersection of race and gender magnifies the challenges Black women face throughout their career journey.

The study involved semi-structured interviews with nine individuals that were analyzed through a thematic analysis approach. This study addressed the following research questions: (1) How do Black women perceive their experiences advancing to senior leader roles(s) at Historically Black Colleges and Universities or Predominantly Black Institutions? (2) What challenges and barriers do Black women identify when advancing to and navigating senior leadership positions in higher education? (3) How do Black women perceive race and gender impact their advancement to and retention in senior leadership positions in higher education?

Data analysis revealed three major themes: structural barriers and lack of institutional support, leadership pressures and identity-based challenges, and dual identity in leadership. This study was built upon existing literature on Black women’s challenges in leadership, offering recommendations for institutional reforms that impact the recruitment and retention of Black women in senior leadership positions in higher education.

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