Education Commons^™

Social Role And Role Congruity Influences On Perceived Value Of Women’S Leadership At Southwestern Research Universities, Stephanie J. Jones, Patricia Ryan Pal

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

This qualitative survey study, framed by social role and role congruity theories, explored the perceptions and experiences of 33 women faculty and academic administrators at doctoral-granting highest research-intensive universities located in the Southwestern region of the U.S. The purpose of the study was to expand on our understanding of how social role and role congruity theories can explain and further our understanding of how women are perceived to be valued as leaders in the higher education space, and how society supports this continued valuation. For purposes of this study, social value is explored through the operational processes of higher education …

Dr. Barbara Higdon: Let It Begin With Me, E. B. Bachman

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

College and university leadership has been analyzed in many ways using critiques of leadership styles, reviews of issues and individual philosophies. An examination of Dr. Barbara Higdon’s career and impact as an educator and educational leader will add to the story of women educational leaders in the United States. The record of such would be incomplete without her story.

The Life Of Ruth Bader Ginsberg: Biography Of An Educator, Mallory Wallace

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

Now in her eighties, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has lived a remarkable life. Justice Ginsburg has had an enormous impact on the way United States law respects gender equality, transformed the U.S. Constitution, and lead broad social transformation in America (Dodson, 2015). And while all of this is so, before she completed any of this, Justice Ginsburg was known as Professor Ginsburg, spending seventeen years teaching law at two highly respected institutions of higher education. During this time, she created and taught revolutionary courses on Women and the Law, co-write the first-ever published casebook on sex-based discrimination, …

“Oh, I’M A Damsel In Distress”: Women Higher Education Leaders’ Narratives, Jill Channing

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

This study focused on women higher education administrators’ experiences related to intersections of gender and work lives, using a narrative analysis research methodology. Women administrators shared stories of the influence of gender on their work lives. Participants “violated” gender norms by pursuing traditionally male-dominated careers, and some shared experiences of sex discrimination and/or witnessed phenomena such as the glass ceiling, sexual harassment, and various double binds related to gender stereotypes. Participants’ stories challenge the literature’s focus on barriers and gender-related challenges for women higher education administrators. Social constructions of gender, contexts, individual personalities, critical life events, among other factors inform …

Lifelong Effects Of Poverty, Jill Mccaslin-Timmons, Marilyn Grady

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

Poverty in the United States impacts children in public schools. In reviewing the literature on poverty, several themes emerged. The themes included: the struggle to define poverty in the United States, characteristics of families in poverty, the impact of poverty on school and lifelong effects of poverty on children.

Additionally, a personal story of a public school administrator who grew up in poverty is shared. This includes how the impact of that experience still impacts the way she thinks about poverty and interacts with families from poverty.

Preparing To Fill The Leadership Gap: The Challenges Facing Women Leaders In Mid-Level Positions At Urban Community Colleges, Kia L. Hardy, Mitchell R. Williams, Kim Bullington, Felecia Commodore

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

Community college presidents are currently retiring at rapid rates, and this turnover in leadership is expected to continue. As these important post-secondary institutions face the loss of senior-level leaders, women in mid-career positions are preparing to fill the gap in the leadership pipeline. Although previous studies have examined the leadership challenges faced by women leaders, the focus has been on presidents and vice presidents. This study fills a gap in the literature by examining the leadership experiences of women in mid-level positions - specifically deans and directors - and to identify their unique employment mobility challenges.

The purpose of this …

Leadership Journeys: Reflections On Experiences And Challenges From Women In Academic Leadership, Sarah L. Smiley, Andrea G. Zakrajsek, Kathryn L. Fletcher

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

Although the number of women holding administrative positions in higher education has risen over the past two decades, the gender gap in academic leadership in higher education institutions persists. Barriers exist to prevent women from entering these positions, including those related to workplace culture and personal considerations. This qualitative exploratory study interviewed 38 women leaders in positions ranging from Assistant Dean to President at universities in a mid-west athletic conference. It asked the following research questions: How did they enter academic leadership? What were their experiences in leadership positions? What advice would they offer to other women considering leadership positions …

‘Let Us Roll Up Our Sleeves’: Amplifying Female Academic Leadership Through Collaboration And Mentorship, Amy Poland, Jo Anne Durovich, Rachel Schwartz

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

The strengths of female leadership are illustrated through the 400 year history of the Catholic Sisters of St. Joseph (CSSJ) and their commitment to their charism which focuses on unity, inclusion and relationship building. Within the colleges they established, the Sisters have demonstrated their commitment to collaboration in their many leadership positions - both formal and informal - within the academy. This article focuses on the leadership of the Sisters as demonstrable examples of female leadership within academia, and makes suggestions for carrying the charism of the CSSJ into the future, expanding their focus on inclusivity to incorporate a broad …

From Negotiator To Note-Taker: The Role Of Women Leaders And Academic Technology Cultures, Leslie Zenk, Susan Harden

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

For years, there has been a perceived inaccessibility of the field of Information Technology, centering on an organizational culture of “men and their machines” (Clark, 2012). This paper examines the role of women who lead technology initiatives in higher education and presents the experiences of these women leaders and their collision of organizational cultures as part of a comparative case study of two public institutions. Findings suggest elements of culture within the IT field that contribute to the experiences of women leaders in IT, and illuminate that leading a technology project may add a layer of gender expectations and gender …

Programmatic Foci Of Women In Academic Leadership Positions At Historically Black Colleges And Universities: Intersectionality And Institutional Mission, Nina F. Schor

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

The present studies compare, between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs; n=102) and a non-HBCU cohort matched for location, religious and vocational mission, and student enrollment (comparator CUs; n=102), the programmatic foci of women in institutional leadership positions. They demonstrate that, at HBCUs, women are more prevalent in leadership roles with male-dominated foci (e.g., finance), and less prevalent in roles with female-dominated foci (e.g., public relations) than at comparator CUs (p < 0.01). A survey of academic leaders (n=1,053 invited; 111 viewed survey; 83 completed survey) at these institutions indicates that women leaders at HBCUs more frequently fill institutional programmatic gaps than their counterparts at comparator CUs (p < 0.001) or men in any academic setting (p < 0.005). Reasons may include the social purpose of HBCUs; the stereotype threat of the traditional “service” role of women and the unique intersectionality encountered by Black women faculty; and the importance of race over gender in homosociability at HBCUs. This suggests that emphasis on the socioeconomic mission and philosophy of higher education may enhance faculty recruitment diversification efforts in higher education. It also raises the question of whether seeing women in atypical leadership roles influences the career aspirations and attitudes towards women leaders of the students, both men and women, at HBCUs.

The Dynamic Of Women Leading Women In Higher Education, Jody L. Reding Phd

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

With each passing decade, women make significant strides in their educational attainment, better positioning themselves for leadership roles. Despite decades of research assessing the leadership styles of women, the established picture of women and leadership is mixed. On one hand, women are praised for possessing many of the leadership skills, behaviors and attributes associated with effective leadership. Yet, on the other hand, women tend to deny support to one another. Twenty women with various years and levels of leadership experience in higher education were interviewed to explore how they describe their experiences leading women and being led by women. Initially …

Iowa’S “First Lady”: Principal, Superintendent, Professor, And Ista President, Veronika Cummings

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

In 1874 Phebe was unanimously chosen as the city superintendent of schools by the Davenport board of education (Barnhart, 1947, p.25). The board offered her a salary considerably less than that of her male predecessor; and, she rejected the offer until they agreed to a pay increase (Phebe Sudlow, n.d.). She purportedly told the board members, “If it was lower because of my qualifications, I will understand. If it is because I am a woman, however, I cannot accept it” (Christian, 1989, p.6). Phebe served as superintendent for Davenport Public Schools from 1874-1878. The rise of Phebe Sudlow from first …

Grace Steinberg Day, Terri Deayon

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

Grace’s life overflowed with leadership accomplishments and accolades. Beginning in 1950, Grace was a member of JWI (Jewish Women International) and its predecessor organization, B’nai B’rith Women (BBW). JWI is a leading Jewish organization immersed in empowering women and girls of all backgrounds through economic literacy, communication training, healthy relationships, and the proliferation of women’s leadership. Their mission is to make certain that all females have the fundamental right to live in a safe home, thrive in healthy relationships, have control over their financial futures, and realize the full potential of their personal strength. Grace gained national distinction as the …

Building A Culture Of Innovation: Breaking Down Silos, Dina Pacis, Patricia Traynor-Nilsen, Joesph Marron

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

Institutes of Higher Education (IHE) are divided into colleges and within colleges are departments. Most departments work with their faculty members and have little interaction with others outside their specialty area. This paper outlines the process taken in year one of a two-year journey that one large IHE department which consisted of five stand-alone programs: Educational Administration, School Psychology, School Counseling, Higher Education Administration, and Applied Behavior Analysis took to work toward building a culture of innovation, collaboration, mission, visioning, and scholarship which brought all faculty members together. The department had been working in silos, with no common mission or …

The Life Of Dr. Claire Owens, Kelley J. Rice

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

Dr. Owens “contributed more to the welfare of her fellow man then many sighted people.”22 Her determination allowed her to manage her personal and business affairs, participate in civic organizations, and be a political activist. She had a passion to help others and at the age of 90, was still practicing her profession and active in her community. Those who knew her saw her as a “remarkable woman”23 and would fill her mailbox with cards expressing their sentiments. When asked how she was able to accomplish so much, Dr. Owens simply stated “I guess I succeeded in doing just about …

Building Pathways: Nurturing A Female Generation Of School Leaders In China, Lixia Qin, Mario Torres, Jean Madsen

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

International feminist perspectives recognize the continuing inequalities of power between men and women across all classes. In China’s male-dominant society, for example, women often have been inhibited from pursuing leadership positions. One particular reason that has been drawing increasing attention across the world is the lack of appropriate training and guidance in young women’s leadership. This paper probes in greater depth one of the most important, yet largely overlooked aspects in the educational leadership of China – women’s leadership roles in education and young women’s leadership preparation. Drawing from published data, literature, and the data collected by the authors, the …

Women In History: Virginia Roth – Innovative Educator, Barbara Shousha

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

“There has to be a better way.” In 1964, Virginia Roth, then known as Sr. Pacis principal at Ryan High School in Omaha, Nebraska, set out to devise a new system of education. Her goal, as expressed in her essay, “A Model for an Alternate High School” was to, “realize those objectives we defined as essential for education.” The “we” referred to the School Sisters of St. Francis, the religious order to which she belonged at that time. Roth described the period from 1964 to 1966 as a “two year experimentation program of brainstorming, trying new methods, committee work for …

Surrendering To Gender In Education? Complacency And The Woman Leader, Kimberly L. Clark Ed. D., Ane T. Johnson Ph. D.

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

The purpose of our study was to better understand the role of gender performance for aspiring school leaders through a reflection of their journey through the administrative pipeline. The transformation of professional aspirations throughout and following the certification process and during employment was also analyzed. Also, the appealing factors of a nontraditional administrative preparation program were evaluated. Using heuristic qualitative methods, women graduates of and expedited certification for educational leadership program participated in focus groups and a select group returned for individual interviews. Coding was employed to analyze the data. Our participants entered into school leadership as a result of …

Impediments To The Advancement Of Women At Community Colleges, Teresa Yearout, Mitchell Williams, John Brenner

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

This study examined current women leaders’ perceptions of the impediments to advancement at the community college. The study was guided by research questions addressing perceptions of (a) personal or internal impediments to advancement; (b) organizational or structural impediments to advancement; and (c) organizational cultural impediments to advancement. Additionally, the current study focuses on the setting and size of the community college and how these factors affect women leaders’ perceptions of impediments to leadership advancement. Participants in the study included a nonrandom, purposive sample of senior female leaders at community college leaders at community colleges in the eleven-state region of the …

Latina School Leadership: Breaking The Mold And Rising To The Top, Velma D. Menchaca, Shirley J. Mills, Filomena Leo

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

For this qualitative research study, interviews with two Latina school leaders revealed their journeys to leadership. The theoretical framework used was Latina critical race theory, feminist theory, and counter storytelling. Identified themes were strong supportive mother, fervent faith, humble beginnings, mentors, intelligent, and challenges not obstacles. These guiding themes serve as a path for Latinas who aspire to public school leadership positions.

Arts Education Funding, Annette M. Vargas

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

Student access to arts education, and the quality of such instruction in the nation’s public schools, continue to be of concern to policymakers, educators, and families. Specifically, research has focused on the questions: To what extent do students receive instruction in the arts? Under what conditions is the instruction provided? The passing of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was a significant move by the Senate, as they had not considered K-12 public education legislation on the Senate floor since 2001. Under this federal law, the arts are included as part of a “well-rounded education” requiring that the …

Self-Efficacy Of Female School Board Presidents, Vicki L. Vantuyle, Sandra G. Watkins

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

Women’s representation on school boards nearly equals that of males today. As a result women are ascending to the leadership role of school board president in greater numbers. This qualitative study of female school board presidents examined the phenomenon of being a female school board president. Eight female school board presidents from Illinois participated, responding to interview questions about their role, responsibilities, and relationships with regard to the position of board president. The response data were explored using narrative analysis. The theoretical framework for analysis was based on Bandura’s Self-Efficacy theory. Responses from the interviews were interpreted vis-à-vis themes aligned …

A Review Of Women’S Leadership Conferences: Ways Public Research Institutions Support Female Students Opting-In, Tania Reis, Marilyn L. Grady

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of women’s leadership conferences at public research universities. A search of the 2015 Carnegie Classification of Institutes of Higher Education revealed a list of 157 research universities. Of these institutions, 40 held a women’s leadership conference. Implications are discussed in how a women’s leadership conference supports female students opting-in.

What Have We Learned From The Departures Of Female Superintendents?, Kerry Kathleen Robinson

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

The purpose of this qualitative study of 20 female former superintendents in Virginia was to answer (1) What factors cause women superintendents to move and/or leave the superintendency? and (2) How do the women construct the story of their moving or leaving? Thematic analysis of the interview narratives discerned four major themes in the stories of these women: (1) Expectations of job duties; (2) Exhaustion as Superwoman; (3) Conflict with stakeholders; and (4) Departure on their own terms and timelines. This study contributes to the research on women in the superintendency and suggests implications for research, policy, and practice.

Leadership Stories: Defining Gender In University Leadership, Tania Carlson Reis

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

The leadership paths of successful women university presidents leading schools listed in the 2010 Carnegie Classification as being Research Universities, Very High Research are identified and described in the following manuscript. Two research questions guided the study: What is the path to the presidency? How do women university presidents recognize and negotiate barriers? Four female presidents were interviewed. The interviews were conducted at the president’s institution. Interviews were hand coded for themes related to the research questions. Findings indicated that women university presidents experience an uneven path to leadership that mirrors the labyrinth described by Eagly and Carli (2007). Participants …

Journal Of Women In Educational Leadership, October 2010, Volume 8, Number 4 -- Editorial Matter

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

Masthead

Table of Contents

EDITORIAL POLICY

CALL FOR MANUSCRIPTS

First Things First: Writing Strategies, Marilyn Grady

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

Writing and editing are symbiotic processes. My earliest editing experiences were invested in my own manuscripts. Writing, rewriting, and refining have been constant aspects of my academic career. My editing skills "ramped up" during the phase of my professional career that required the editing of nine pathophysiology course books each year for three years. The background that enabled me to edit my own work and the pathophysiology texts was a strong foundation in grammar and spelling. Reading has been a steady influence on my editing skills as well. Reading is a vocabulary builder as well as a constant "styles of …

Voices Of Women In The Field--Obtaining A Higher Education Faculty Position: The Critical Role Mentoring Plays For Females, Vicki Van Tuyle, Sandra Watkins

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

Mentoring female doctoral candidates to obtain access to positions in higher education has not been widely researched. Women often aspire to the professorship only to find limited access to these positions. Even though a doctoral degree is a vehicle for acquiring a career in higher education, the transfom1ation from doctoral candidate to assistant professor is usually a long and winding road. While devoting hours to extensive course work, conducting research studies, and writing and rewriting dissertation drafts, it is not uncommon for graduate students to begin to imagine themselves as professors like the professors they have worked with in higher …

The Builders Of The Journal Of Women In Educational Leadership, Marilyn Grady

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

For eight years, a group of dedicated reviewers have served the Journal of Women in Educational Leadership (lWEL). Their knowledge of educational leadership, research design and methods, and women as leaders was essential to the review process. These individuals provided service to the journal as a professional courtesy. Their service, generosity, and professional contributions are acknowledged and appreciated as a backbone of lWEL. For eight years, individuals have contributed their research and scholarly manuscripts to the Journal of Women in Educational Leadership. Without these contributions there would be no journal. The trust these individuals placed in the journal made the …

In Their Own Words: Latina Success In Higher Education, Brent D. Cejda

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

Greater numbers of Latinas are participating in postsecondary education, however these gains have not resulted in increased graduation rates. This study examines the lived experiences of 36 Latina baccalaureate graduates to gain a deeper understanding of how they achieved this important educational goal.

During the 1990s, analyses of data stressed that Latinos had the lowest postsecondary participation rate of any racial or ethnic group (Cardoza, 1991 ; Martinez-Thome, 1995). A decade later, there is evidence that although participation rates have increased, there are continued disparities in baccalaureate outcomes between Latino and Caucasian college students (President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence …