Redefining leadership: Examination of African American women serving as presidents in institutions of higher education

There is an apparent dearth in the leadership literature of African American women when juxtaposed with race, gender and social class. This scarcity appears to be connected with the small percentage of African American women who hold the position of president in institutions of higher education. Additionally, recent reports have noted, that the growth they saw twenty years prior has reached a standstill. This research scoped the range of leadership for African American women presidents, giving them the opportunity to self-define. In addition to self-definition, the study was based on the belief that leadership development happens over a lifetime. Thus, the purpose of this research was to examine what factors contributed to and define the leadership for African American women presidents. Defining and understanding their leadership will lead to greater opportunities in the academy.

This study used a qualitative approach that triangulated interviews, biographical questionnaires, and campus observations to gain perspective and insight for the women who participated in this study. The study relied on several frameworks that served as a guide, Black feminist thought, critical race theory, and the Bolman and Deal leadership lens. What the research discovered is that African American women tend to have a different path towards to the presidency than the traditional model. Various events that transpire in an individual's life provided a foundation for their leadership philosophies and ideologies. Furthermore, when given the opportunity to self-define their leadership, they were incongruent with research that indicates women including African American women identify with a transformational leadership model. Lastly, race, gender, and class have had some affect on the African American women who participated in this study. The findings in this study can be used by institutions to develop leadership programs that are tailored to the needs of African American women desiring to hold senior leadership positions in the nation's institutions. It is imperative that the bodies of literature being amassed show diversity, thus creating better understandings throughout the academy.