Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how the lived experiences of African American women community college chancellors contributed to their success as leaders. Three African American female community college chancellors participated in the study. Four themes emerged from the thick, rich descriptions provided through participant responses in semi-structured interviews. The four themes were encouragement, success, problem solver/leadership, and race/gender. The conclusions of this study point to the themes which influenced the successes of African American community college chancellors. The lived experiences shared by these women offered greater insight into the professional role of an African American female community college chancellor. The results of this study will add to the body of literature about this population. In addition, information gathered during this study may be used as a resource in the hiring and retention of African American women as community college chancellors.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

African American women college administrators; Women college president—United States; Community college presidents—United States

Date of Award

2025

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Education

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Daphne DePorres

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