Two Centuries of Defining Moments for Black Women Higher Education Leaders in the United States

Abstract

Black women have made significant strides in their representation in higher education leadership in the United States over the past two centuries. They have faced barriers, yet they have also made substantial contributions to the field. Historically, Black women remain at the forefront of the struggle for equal access to education, with many earning degrees, becoming educators, and founding higher education institutions. However, their leadership roles have often been marginalized and overlooked. Despite this, Black women have persevered and made advancements in higher education administration, but they continue to face obstacles in their career paths and leadership progression. The experiences of Black women higher education leaders, including the challenges they encounter and the strategies they employ to overcome them, can provide valuable insights for improving the retention and advancement of Black women leaders. Achieving gender equality in leadership positions in higher education is a matter of fairness, and it is essential to advancing the evolving higher education landscape.