The Experiences of African-American Male Senior Administrators in Michigan

This study examines the experiences of eleven African American male senior administrators (dean’s level or above) in higher education in Michigan. The participants currently hold or have held positions ranging from dean to president in Michigan community colleges. The purpose of this study was to better understand the experiences of African American senior-level higher education administrators by using a semi-structured interview protocol. The interview process allowed the researcher to correlate the lived experiences of the participants into common themes related to African American males in community college leadership positions. Each interview was recorded and transcribed to accurately capture the perceptions of each participant. Common themes from the interviews were used to provide other African American males with insights, strategies, opportunities, or support systems that may help them move successfully into positions of leadership.