Gatekeepers to the community college presidency for leaders of color

Abstract

AbstractResearch has identified a clear underrepresentation of race and gender diversity in the community college presidency and scant progress in diversification. This phenomenological study used critical race theory (CRT) and glass ceiling theory (GCT) lenses to examine the lived experiences of minority community college presidents, including those who identified as African American, Asian Pacific Islander, and Latino/Hispanic and spanned 12 states and every region of the U.S. The counter‐narratives of the participants were examined using a modified interpretative phenomenological approach concept model with cultural domain analysis (CDA) for validation. Participants were categorized by generational definitions and their associated community college development leadership styles. Findings include evidence of a leaky pipeline, a flawed hiring process with gatekeepers along the hiring continuum, and biases and stereotypes encountered, illustrating leaders’ perceptions of underrepresentation of minorities serving in presidential roles in community colleges. The study identified numerous deficiencies impacting this underrepresentation and offered recommendations to improve practice.