Women in 2009 are earning advanced degrees in record numbers, yet they are shying away from careers in higher education. The demands of motherhood, coupled with a lack of family friendly policies in the academic workplace make life in the academy less desirable for a new generation of female scholars. The purpose of this article is to explore the…

Women face unique challenges as superintendents. This study determined barriers women face as superintendents and elicited reasons why these women would consider leaving the superintendent's position. Thirty-nine PreK-12 women superintendents in Illinois participated in a web-based survey in January 2008. Survey items included information…

Aware of the gender disparities that exist in the most coveted school district leadership positions, the researchers undertook the project reported here to uncover themes related to factors that contribute to the low numbers of women in the superintendency and assistant superintendency. Having knowledge and understanding of the factors that…

During the 150 years women have participated in higher education, they have made tremendous strides. At many postsecondary institutions, women were not accepted as students until the second half of the 20th century. In 2004, women serve in the upper echelons of power at some of the nation's oldest and most prestigious universities. This inquiry…

This study was an investigation of the experiences and perceptions of barriers to the presidency of 43 African American female college and university presidents. Findings suggested that exclusion from informal networks, lack of preparation and lack of career goals were primary barriers. Strategies to overcome these barriers included exceeding job…

The purpose of this project was to assess the perceived efficacy of university-based activities designed to improve the recruitment and retention of women in academic science and engineering (S&E). Numerous approaches to recruitment and retention have been described and implemented but little change occurs. An evaluation of suggested activities by…

This study focuses on the narratives of two women leaders, one of whom continues to work as a community college president and another who made the transition from a community college presidency to the directorship of a continuing education division of a large, state research university. The women were first interviewed in 2000 when they discussed…

Twenty-six professors at a research intensive university participated in this study of senior women professors' career experiences and reflections. Themes surrounding community and collegiality with respect to disciplinary commitment, salience of gender to discipline, and the role of personal choices are identified and discussed. Resulting…

This study of 26 senior women professors at a large research university suggests that, while their negotiation of professional and personal commitments involved calculated balancing acts and strategies, they primarily described searches for integrity and coherence in life. More effective personal management strategies, modified and more realistic…

The purpose for conducting this study was to explore, with credentialed and qualified women educators, career paths in educational administration. The research was qualitative. Data were collected through focus groups and mailed surveys. Six persons attended two focus groups that lasted approximately 90 minutes each. The interaction of the members…

The number of female school principals in the United States continues to grow each year, and many of these women are evolving into outstanding educational leaders. Cultural and gender barriers, however, continue to limit their leadership effectiveness despite their overall achievements. Many of these women have not maximized their leadership…

In this article, the author, the Principal of Saint Philip Neri School in Omaha, Nebraska, for 14 years, describes the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of being a principal. She notes that the "good" includes: (1) longevity--having been on the job for 14 years, she has been able to see many of the kids grow and mature; (2) a…