In Our Own Words: African American Women Student Affairs Professionals Define their Experiences in the Academy

Abstract

The present study was conducted to explore the self-conceptualizations of terms that describe the experiences of African American women student affairs professionals employed at PWIS. The participants in the study noted both the physical and psychological representations of being underrepresented, isolated, and marginalized in the context of their lives in the academy. Further, they noted the often intangible and intrinsic factors that contributed to their sense of personal well-being and professional success. Implications for practice and recommendations for future research are discussed.