A MULTI-CASE STUDY OF PRIMARY CIRCUMSTANCES AND LIFE EXPERIENCES CONTRIBUTING TO THE CAREERS OF FEMALE PRESIDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS IN NEW ENGLAND
by
Leigh C. Marthe

Abstract

Early in 2007, the American Council on Education (ACE) released the results of their 20th anniversary edition of The American College President. In this study it is identified that only 23% of all college presidents are women, up from 18% just ten years prior. Though the ACE research shares significant insights into the world of women president through statistical analysis, this study intends to inform the larger body of knowledge concerning women in uppermost leadership roles in higher education in the context of qualitative research. By understanding through qualitative research conducted through individual, face-to -face interviews with five female college and university presidents in New England, this study asked the subjects of the research to describe the life and career experiences that enhanced and/or hindered their success in achieving their leadership roles in higher educational settings. This research replicated research done by Smith (2004) in her dissertation entitled “A Multi-Case Analysis of Perceived Circumstances and Life Experiences Contributing to the Presidential Ascent of Mississippi Female College and University Presidents” in which it was recommended that future, regionally diverse studies might reveal patterns identifiable to others interested in pursuing leadership roles. In this New England study, the women interviewed offered insights into their backgrounds and education, career opportunities, and mentoring relationships, as well as refection on how self-esteem, personal and professional skills, and goals for future experiences offered opportunities to succeed. The results of the research revealed negative gender bias, lack of formal mentoring or training, and relationships on all levels of experiences impacting the smoothness of their transitions into leadership roles.