Dónde Están Mi Gente?: perceptions of, and support for, professional advancement among latinx/a/o mid-level higher education administrators

Abstract

ABSTRACT Latinx/a/os have significantly increased in number in the US population. The advancement of mid-level Latinx/a/o professionals in higher education is not occurring at the same rate as the increase of the Latinx/a/o population in the country. This study aimed to examine the perceptions of mid-level Latinx/a/os administrators in their workplace experiences in higher education to determine if structural inequality disproportionately impacts Latinx/a/os by relegating them to lower-status positions. A qualitative approach to this study allowed the researcher to interact with participants through interviews and gain a comprehensive understanding of their workplace experiences. A discussion of the study findings in light of earlier analysis and literature on the subject follows. Recommendations for practitioners and methods for implementing these findings are offered as implications for practice. The study’s anticipated effect is to expand the body of research supporting mid-level Latinx/a/o administrators in higher education and to improve the practice in this domain.