Navigating the Road Less Traveled: Examining the Lived Experiences of African American Women On Their Pathway to the Community College Presidency

The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative research study was to examine the
lived experiences of African American women on their pathway to the community college
presidency. Data was collected via demographic profile questionnaires and semi-structured
WebEx interviews with five participants. Emerging themes were identified through comparative
analysis of participant narratives utilizing Black Feminist Thought as a theoretical lens.
Relationship building and self-awareness were identified as common characteristics that
served as positive contributors to participant pathways. Balancing family and work-life and selfdoubt were identified challenges to career persistence. Participants did not speak of challenges
as barriers, but rather “resiliency builders,” and utilized coping mechanisms such as support
systems and spirituality as they navigated their journeys. Examination of participant narratives
concluded that there is no one successful pathway to the community college presidency for
African American women, but rather common strategies such as professional development,
intentional networking, and terminal degree attainment that aided in these women’s success.
Findings from this study were in line with literature that suggest Black women routinely over
educate, over-prepare, and over accommodate in order to obtain senior level leadership
positions in higher education. Recommendations from participant interviews revealed that
African American women who aspire to be community college presidents should seek
mentorship, prepare themselves educationally by earning a terminal degree, and contribute to a pipeline of shared knowledge and resources that will result in more African American women
becoming community college presidents.