COMMITTEE CHAIR: Dr. Lisa Thompson

TITLE: NAVIGATING TRIPLE JEOPARDY: PATHWAYS OF CAREER ASCENSION FOR QUEER BLACK WOMEN EXECUTIVE LEADERS IN HIGHER EDUCATION

 ABSTRACT: Research reveals a longstanding tradition of leadership in higher education predominantly held by heterosexual White men despite increased representation of women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals (Gagliardi et al., 2017; Jackson & Harris, 2005; Melidona et al., 2023; Moody, 2018; Titcomb, 2014; Waring, 2003). While the number of students and faculty members have grown over the last century and a half, the number of Black, women, or queer executive leaders in higher education has not shown a similar growth rate (Commodore et al., 2016; Gardner, 2019; Jackson & Harris, 2005; Melidona et al., 2023; Moody, 2018). Through the shared experiences of the four senior-level executive leaders who identify as queer Black women, this qualitative study examined intersectional experiences, career and workplace stressors, and opportunities for promotion to executive leadership for queer Black women in higher education. Using the conceptual framework Triple Jeopardy (Greene, 1998), this research was guided by the following research questions:

RQ1: What are the personal barriers for queer Black women leaders who hold or aspire to hold executive leadership positions in higher education?

RQ2: What are the career and workplace stressors experienced among queer Black women leaders who hold or aspire to hold executive leadership positions in higher education?

RQ3: What are the career development and mentorship resources that serve as pathways for queer Black women higher education leaders for promotion to Vice President, Provost, President, or Chancellor?

Each participant completed a questionnaire to determine eligibility, followed by semi-structured interviews to share their lived experiences as executive leaders in higher education. Transcription of the interviews and analysis of the data revealed the following themes: (1) Leading with Personal Authenticity: Identity, Social Identity, and Leadership, (2) Lead in Your Full Self: Intersectionality in the Workplace, (3) Equity Leadership: Belonging in the Workplace, (4) Diversity Requires Diverse Leadership, and (5) Find Your Tribe: Forge Support Relationships.

Equity in leadership is crucial to ensuring equitable access to education. Diverse leadership fosters confidence that all voices will be valued on campus. This study highlights the benefits of leading authentically and forging a community to navigate the stressors of executive leadership while existing in marginalized communities.

Keywords: Black, Women, LGBTQ+, Executive Leadership, Education Leadership, President, Provost, Chancellor, Queer

Zoom Meeting:

https://pvpanther.zoom.us/j/3330332020?pwd=VEFMOHZkTUNWcjNlK2I4eHhMb0RZQT09

Meeting ID: 333 033 2020

Passcode: GODwinks33