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.

Just heard this song today for the first time in a really long time and forgot how much I love it. Had to find the lyrics and put them up here. . .Ahhh! The Cure. . .thank you for these heartfelt words.

Lovesong - The Cure

  Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am home again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am whole again

Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am young again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am fun again

However far away
I will always love you
However long I stay
I will always love you
Whatever words I say
I will always love you

I will always love you

Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am free again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am clean again

However far away
I will always love you
However long I stay
I will always love you
Whatever words I say
I will always love you

I will always love you

Into the Night of Falling Stars

I hear your voice in my bones at the blushing of dusk.
It is here I slip under the surface of these cool waters
and into the night of falling stars,
circling and gathering above and below me,
like the essential light of the single candle of kindness
you always offer.

The darkness is nothing in this liquid forgiveness,
where everything is possible,
and where I shine as my purest self.

If you arrive in this falling universe
and find the courage to plunge into this ocean—
wash out with the tide
into the place where sky and earth meet
like old souls on the horizon
of the bodies we left behind—

you will find yourself
swimming into my skin
and to the sugared center of abandon
sprinkled in the heavens
and on the flowing fields of lilies
that smooth the waves
heat wished to capsize
and drown all hope of freedom.

Follow your breath in this patient current
and the healing springs will carry you
into the calmest waters of absolute blue.
Call out like a bird
and I will answer
from the marrow of love.