The Role of Mentorship in the Advancement of Women of Color in Higher Education Administrative Roles

Abstract

This research study focused on the lived experiences of Black women administrators in higher education institutions, the obstacles they face in pursuit of support and career advancement, and how they benefited from a relationship with a mentor. This descriptive phenomenological qualitative study was implemented by conducting in-depth interviews with a small sample of six African American women administrators from various higher education institutions located in the Northeast, West Coast, and Midwest regions of the United States. This phenomenological qualitative study was conducted to understand and describe the lived experiences mentorship for a select group of Black women leaders in higher education, using Black feminist thought as the theoretical framework. The findings from this study indicate that for this select group of Black women mentorship played a pivotal role in the advancement of their professional and leadership development, but not without challenges.