Empowering the Next Generation: Unveiling Leadership Motivators for Millennial Women in Christian Higher Education

Abstract

Over the past decade, the rate of presidential turnover in higher education has accelerated, prompting research on what motivates the next generation of leaders. This article focuses on millennial women in Christian higher education, a sector where White male leaders have historically dominated: Women have remained underrepresented in college presidencies despite earning the majority of degrees at all levels. Although leadership literature has addressed that women have broken beyond the glass ceiling toward improved gender equity, both gender and generational barriers continue to impede a woman’s ambition to pursue a presidency. The research herein was conducted using the theoretical framework by Dahlvig and Longman, a women’s leadership development model, to investigate further millennial women’s intrinsic and extrinsic motivators to aspire and pursue a presidency in Christian higher education. This article explores the relevant literature and examines the findings from interviews of 12 millennial women participants who work at Christian colleges and universities within the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. Seven major themes emerged from the data: (a) patient preparation for the presidency; (b) the value of relationships, recognition, and representation; (c) how the experiences of current leaders differ; (d) what it means to be intrinsically wired as a leader; (e) care for the well-being of the institution; (f) exercising faith over fear; and (g) transformation through developmental relationships with mentors, coaches, and sponsors. These findings contribute to an understanding of the motivators of millennial women as they contrast with previous generations. Findings also support the adapted model proposed here, the millennial women’s leadership development model, as well as offering practical implications for campus leaders and aspiring women presidents.