Advisor(s)
Mary Ann Bodine Al-Sharif
Committee Member(s)
Brandon Brown Sr
Tondra Loder-Jackson
School
School of Education
Document Type
Thesis
Department (new version)
Education
Date of Award
1-7-2025
Abstract
WHERE THE BLACK WOMEN AT? EXPLORING THE NARRATIVES & EXPERIENCES OF BLACK WOMEN IN HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP JASMINE P. PARKER JEAN HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION ABSTRACT This thesis explores the experiences of Black Women in mid- and senior-level leadership roles in higher education, with a focus on the unique challenges they face due to the intersection of race and gender. Black Women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership positions across the academic landscape, despite earning higher education degrees at high rates. The study seeks to amplify the voices of Black Women leaders, providing insight into the barriers they encounter, the strategies they employ to navigate their roles, and the support systems that contribute to their success. Using a qualitative research approach, this study uses Critical Feminist Narrative Inquiry (CFNI) to gather and analyze data from semi-structured interviews with 12 Black Women leaders in higher education. The theoretical framework incorporates Critical Race Theory (CRT), Black Feminist Thought, and Black Feminist Criticism, providing a comprehensive lens through which to examine the intersectional experiences of Black Women in academia. Key findings reveal that Black Women leaders face a persistent need to prove their competence, manage the emotional labor of navigating predominantly white and male-dominated environments, and often carry the additional burden of advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. Mentorship/Femtorship, advocacy, and community emerge as essential factors in their leadership development. However, participants also report feelings of isolation, tokenism, and a lack of institutional support, highlighting the systemic barriers that impede their progress. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on intersectionality in leadership by centering the narratives of Black Women, offering recommendations for institutions to better support and promote diversity in leadership. It also provides valuable insights for future Black Women leaders, encouraging them to embrace their authentic identities and advocate for systemic change within higher education institutions. Keywords: Black Women, higher education leadership, intersectionality, Critical Feminist Narrative Inquiry, Critical Race Theory, Black Feminist Thought, Black Feminist Criticism
ProQuest ID
Recommended Citation
Jean, Jasmine P., "Where The Black Women At? Exploring The Narratives & Experiences Of Black Women In Higher Education Leadership" (2025). All ETDs from UAB. 7273.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/7273
