Women Community College Faculty Members

Abstract

This chapter explores the obstacles women community college faculty members face in attaining leadership roles, specifically the presidency, at community colleges. The theoretical framework incorporates Kezar's reconceptualization of leadership in higher education. The chapter discusses the currently available data regarding women community college faculty members and leaders, and presents factors preventing community colleges from attaining gender parity in leadership, namely structural inequities, campus climate, and the insidious ideal or heroic worker myth. Despite the diversity of students and staff present at a community college, discrimination and societal expectations regarding work still impact women. Ironically, the low status of community colleges may allow greater access to leadership roles for women. The chapter concludes by discussing possible solutions to the current leadership climate and present alternative leadership theories and paradigms, which, if implemented, could change the community college environment.